Proverbs 3:9

Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

Honour {H3513} the LORD {H3068} with thy substance {H1952}, and with the firstfruits {H7225} of all thine increase {H8393}:

Honor ADONAI with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your income.

Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest;

Honor Jehovah with thy substance, And with the first-fruits of all thine increase:

Proverbs 3:9 is a powerful exhortation to acknowledge God's sovereignty and provision through tangible acts of worship and obedience. It serves as a foundational principle for stewardship and faith within the biblical wisdom tradition.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Proverbs chapter 3, which provides a series of instructions from a father to his son, emphasizing the importance of wisdom, trust in the Lord, and obedience to His commands. Following admonitions to trust God with all one's heart (Proverbs 3:5-6) and to not be wise in one's own eyes (Proverbs 3:7-8), verse 9 focuses on practical expressions of honor through financial giving. It is immediately followed by a promise of abundant blessing in Proverbs 3:10, indicating the positive consequences of such obedience.

Key Themes

  • Honoring God with Substance: The core command is to "Honour the LORD." The Hebrew word for "honour" (kabbēd) comes from a root meaning "heavy" or "weighty," implying giving God His due weight, significance, and glory. "Substance" (hōn) refers to all one's wealth, possessions, and resources. This isn't just about a portion, but recognizing that all our material blessings come from Him.
  • The Principle of Firstfruits: This phrase directly references an ancient Israelite practice where the first and best of agricultural produce and livestock were offered to God (e.g., Deuteronomy 26:1-11). It signifies a commitment to prioritize God in all aspects of life, giving Him the initial and finest portion *before* personal consumption. This act demonstrates profound trust that God will ensure the remainder is sufficient.
  • Stewardship and Trust: The verse underlines the principle that God is the ultimate owner of everything, and we are merely stewards of His resources. By giving the firstfruits, believers express faith that God is faithful to His promises and will provide for their needs (Malachi 3:10). It's a test of where one's true trust lies – in one's own efforts or in God's provision.

Practical Application

For believers today, Proverbs 3:9 extends beyond literal agricultural offerings to encompass all forms of income and resources. It calls for a mindset of generosity and prioritizing God in our finances and overall lives:

  • Prioritize Giving: This means setting aside a portion for God first, before other expenses or desires. This often translates to tithing (giving 10%) or sacrificial giving based on one's blessings.
  • Give Your Best: The principle of "firstfruits" encourages giving quality, not just quantity. It's about giving cheerfully and with an attitude of worship, rather than reluctantly or with leftovers (2 Corinthians 9:7).
  • Acknowledge God's Provision: Every act of giving becomes an act of worship, acknowledging that all we have comes from God's hand. It shifts our focus from what we lack to what God has already provided.
  • Trust for the Future: Obedience to this command is an act of faith, trusting that God will bless and sustain us when we honor Him first, aligning with the broader teaching to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Ultimately, Proverbs 3:9 is a call to express our reverence for the Lord not just with words, but with our most tangible possessions, trusting Him completely for our well-being and future.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Deuteronomy 26:2

    That thou shalt take of the first of all the fruit of the earth, which thou shalt bring of thy land that the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt put [it] in a basket, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name there.

  • Deuteronomy 26:15

    Look down from thy holy habitation, from heaven, and bless thy people Israel, and the land which thou hast given us, as thou swarest unto our fathers, a land that floweth with milk and honey.

  • 1 Corinthians 16:2

    Upon the first [day] of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as [God] hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

  • Exodus 23:19

    The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.

  • Proverbs 14:31

    ¶ He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.

  • Philippians 4:17

    Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

  • Philippians 4:18

    But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things [which were sent] from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

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