Proverbs 3:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 3:9 is a foundational wisdom teaching that calls believers to express their reverence and submission to God through tangible acts of financial stewardship. It exhorts individuals to honor the Lord by dedicating their wealth and, specifically, the very best and initial portions of their income, acknowledging His ultimate sovereignty as the source of all provision and prosperity. This act of giving is not merely a financial transaction but a profound demonstration of trust, faith, and worship, setting the stage for divine blessing and affirming God's rightful place as preeminent in one's life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 3:9 is situated within a larger father-to-son discourse (Proverbs 3:1-12) that emphasizes the pursuit of wisdom and trust in the Lord. Preceding this verse, the son is admonished to remember and keep God's commands (Proverbs 3:1-2), to let steadfast love and faithfulness bind him (Proverbs 3:3-4), and crucially, to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5-6). This sets the theological stage for verse 9, presenting the honoring of God with substance as a practical outworking of this deep trust. Immediately following, Proverbs 3:10 promises a reciprocal blessing of overflowing barns and vats, linking obedience directly to divine provision and reinforcing the wisdom principle of sowing and reaping. The entire chapter serves as a comprehensive guide to living a life aligned with divine wisdom, with financial stewardship being a key component.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command in Proverbs 3:9 is deeply rooted in ancient Israelite agrarian society and its covenant relationship with Yahweh. The concept of "firstfruits" (Hebrew: *rêʼshîyth*) was a well-established practice mandated in the Mosaic Law, requiring the Israelites to offer the first and best of their harvest, livestock, and even their firstborn sons to God (e.g., [Exodus 23:19](/exodus/23-19 "Exodus 23:19 - First of the Firstfruits"), [Deuteronomy 26:1-11](/deuteronomy/26 "Deuteronomy 26 - Offering of Firstfruits")). This practice served multiple purposes: it was an act of worship, an acknowledgment of God's ownership of the land and its produce, and an expression of gratitude for His provision. It also functioned as a profound act of faith, as farmers would give away the initial portion of their yield before knowing the full extent of their harvest, trusting that God would ensure the remainder was sufficient. This cultural context underscores that the instruction in Proverbs 3:9 was not a new concept but a reiteration and application of a long-standing covenantal obligation and spiritual discipline.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 3:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Provision**, asserting that all "substance" and "increase" ultimately originate from God. This challenges human self-sufficiency and fosters a posture of dependence. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Trust and Obedience**, particularly in the realm of material possessions. Honoring God with one's wealth is presented as a tangible expression of trusting God's faithfulness to provide, even when it requires sacrificing the "firstfruits." This aligns with the broader exhortation to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart" found in [Proverbs 3:5](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the Lord"). Thirdly, the verse reinforces the principle of **Stewardship**, emphasizing that humans are not owners but managers of God's resources. Giving the firstfruits is an act of acknowledging this stewardship and prioritizing God's kingdom. Finally, it introduces the theme of **Blessing through Obedience**, as the subsequent verse ([Proverbs 3:10](/proverbs/3-10 "Proverbs 3:10 - Promise of Abundance")) explicitly links this act of honor to material abundance, demonstrating God's reciprocal generosity to those who honor Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Honour (Hebrew, _kâbad'_):** This primitive root means "to be heavy" or "weighty." In a positive sense, as used here, it signifies giving someone their due weight, significance, glory, or respect. To "honor the LORD" with one's substance means to attribute supreme value, importance, and authority to Him, recognizing His preeminence and worthiness of praise through tangible actions. It implies a profound reverence that manifests in practical obedience, giving Him the "weight" He deserves in one's financial decisions.
* **Substance (Hebrew, _hôwn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "wealth" or "enough," this term broadly refers to one's material possessions, riches, and resources. It encompasses all forms of wealth, not just a specific type of income. The command to honor the Lord with "thy substance" indicates that every aspect of one's financial well-being, from accumulated wealth to daily provisions, is to be consecrated to God and used in a way that brings Him glory. It highlights God's ownership over all that we possess.
* **Firstfruits (Hebrew, _rêʼshîyth'_):** This word denotes "the first, in place, time, order or rank," specifically referring to the initial and best portion of a harvest or increase. It is not merely a quantity but a quality – the prime, choicest part. The practice of offering firstfruits symbolized prioritizing God, acknowledging His prior claim and ultimate provision before any personal consumption. It was an act of faith, trusting that God would bless the remaining portion, and an act of worship, giving Him the preeminent place.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Honour the LORD with thy substance,"**: This clause establishes the core command: to give weight, glory, and reverence to Yahweh. The means of this honor are specified as "thy substance," encompassing all of one's wealth and material possessions. This is a call to recognize God's ultimate ownership and sovereignty over all resources, expressing this acknowledgment through intentional giving and stewardship rather than merely verbal praise. It implies a shift from a self-centered view of possessions to a God-centered one.
* **"and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:"**: This second clause elaborates on *how* the Lord is to be honored with one's substance, introducing the specific principle of "firstfruits." "Increase" refers to any gain or produce, whether from agriculture, livestock, or other forms of income. The "firstfruits" are the initial, best, and choicest portions of this increase. This specifies a qualitative and chronological priority in giving: God is to receive the best, and He is to receive it first, before any other claims or expenditures. This act demonstrates deep trust in God's ongoing provision and a commitment to prioritize Him above all else.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 3:9 employs several effective literary devices. It uses **Imperative Mood** ("Honour the LORD"), which functions as a direct command or exhortation, underscoring the non-negotiable nature of this instruction. The verse also features a form of **Syntactic Parallelism**, where the second clause ("and with the firstfruits of all thine increase") elaborates on and specifies the meaning of the first clause ("Honour the LORD with thy substance"). While "substance" is a general term for wealth, "firstfruits of all thine increase" provides a concrete, culturally relevant example of how that honor is to be practically expressed, moving from the general to the specific. This specific example also functions as **Metonymy**, where "firstfruits" stands in for the broader principle of prioritizing God in one's entire financial life and all forms of income, not just agricultural produce. Furthermore, the concept of "firstfruits" itself carries significant **Symbolism**, representing not just a portion of wealth but also a commitment of faith, trust, and acknowledgment of divine ownership and provision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 3:9 is a profound theological statement on God's sovereignty over creation and humanity's role as stewards of His resources. It teaches that true honor for God extends beyond ritual or verbal praise to the practical realm of material possessions, asserting that our financial decisions are inherently spiritual acts. This verse challenges the notion of self-ownership and instead posits that all we possess is a gift from God, to be managed for His glory. The principle of firstfruits, deeply rooted in the Old Testament covenant, foreshadows a New Testament understanding of radical generosity and the priority of God's kingdom, demonstrating that our giving is a reflection of our trust in His unfailing provision and a tangible expression of our worship.

* [Deuteronomy 26:10](/deuteronomy/26-10 "Deuteronomy 26:10 - Presenting Firstfruits to the Lord")
* [Malachi 3:10](/malachi/3-10 "Malachi 3:10 - Bring the Whole Tithe")
* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - Cheerful Giving")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 3:9 invites us to a profound re-evaluation of our relationship with material possessions and our understanding of God's ownership. It challenges us to move beyond a transactional view of giving to one rooted in worship, trust, and acknowledgment of God as the ultimate source of all good things. Applying this verse today means cultivating a mindset where God is not just an afterthought in our budget, but the first priority. It calls us to examine whether our financial habits reflect genuine honor for the Lord, ensuring that our "firstfruits"—the best and initial portions of our income, time, and talents—are dedicated to Him. This practice is not about God needing our money, but about our hearts needing to recognize His supremacy and to trust Him with our present and future provision. It is a spiritual discipline that reorients our desires, fosters contentment, and deepens our faith, transforming mere giving into an act of profound devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways can I apply the "firstfruits" principle to my finances and other areas of my life today?**
* **How does my current approach to giving reflect (or fail to reflect) my trust in God's provision?**
* **What does it truly mean to "honor the LORD" with my "substance" in a consumer-driven society?**
* **How might prioritizing God in my giving transform my anxieties about financial security?**

### FAQ
**What does "substance" mean in Proverbs 3:9?**

Answer: In Proverbs 3:9, "substance" (Hebrew: *hôwn*) refers broadly to all of one's wealth, material possessions, and resources. It encompasses everything from accumulated riches to daily income and assets. The verse is not limiting the command to a specific type of wealth but rather calling for the honoring of God with all that one possesses, recognizing that all material blessings ultimately come from Him. It highlights a holistic approach to stewardship, where every aspect of one's financial life is brought under God's sovereignty.

**Is the "firstfruits" principle still relevant for Christians today, given its Old Testament origins?**

Answer: Yes, the "firstfruits" principle remains highly relevant for Christians today, even though its literal application (e.g., agricultural offerings) has changed. The underlying theological truths are eternal: God's ownership of all things, the importance of prioritizing Him, and the demonstration of trust through tangible acts of worship. For believers, "firstfruits" translates to giving the first and best of our income, time, talents, and energy to God's work, before other expenses or desires. This aligns with New Testament teachings on generosity and seeking first God's kingdom, as seen in [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God") and [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver"). It's a principle of faith that acknowledges God's provision and expresses our worship.

**Does this verse imply that giving to God guarantees material prosperity?**

Answer: Proverbs 3:9, especially when read in conjunction with [Proverbs 3:10](/proverbs/3-10 "Proverbs 3:10 - Promise of Abundance"), does present a connection between honoring God with one's substance and experiencing blessing. However, it's crucial to interpret this within the broader biblical framework. While God often blesses obedience, the "blessing" is not solely or always material wealth, nor is it an automatic, transactional guarantee. The wisdom literature often presents general principles and tendencies, not rigid formulas. True biblical prosperity encompasses spiritual richness, peace, contentment, and the satisfaction of living in alignment with God's will, which may or may not include abundant material wealth. The primary focus of the verse is on the heart's posture of honor and trust, not on manipulating God for gain.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 3:9, with its call to honor the Lord with our substance and firstfruits, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament practice of firstfruits pointed to God's ownership and provision, Christ Himself is the ultimate "firstfruits" in a redemptive sense. He is the "firstborn of all creation" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ is the Image of the Invisible God")), the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ the Firstfruits")), and the one through whom all things are sustained. His life was the perfect offering, the ultimate "firstfruit" of obedience and honor to the Father, culminating in His sacrificial death. Furthermore, our ability to "honor the LORD with thy substance" is only possible because of Christ's work. He modeled radical generosity, giving His very life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Through His indwelling Spirit, believers are empowered to live lives of sacrificial giving, not out of legal obligation, but out of grateful response to His immeasurable gift. Our "substance" and "firstfruits" become offerings of worship, transformed by the grace received through the ultimate "firstfruit" of God's love, Jesus Christ, who enriches us in every way so that we can be generous on every occasion ([2 Corinthians 9:11](/2_corinthians/9-11 "2 Corinthians 9:11 - Rich in Every Way for Generosity")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.