Proverbs 19:17

Context

Proverbs 10:1–22:16 is a collection of short, independent sayings gathered under the heading "The proverbs of Solomon." This verse is one of them. Rather than continuing a narrative from the surrounding verses, it stands as a self-contained, one-line saying: "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again" (Proverbs 19:17).

Proverbs repeatedly links the treatment of the poor to God. Proverbs 14:31 regards oppressing the poor as reproaching their Maker. This verse, by contrast, describes helping the poor as something done for God.

The Hebrew verb rendered "have pity" means "to be gracious" or "to show favor." It denotes not merely inward sympathy but concrete acts of help. The Korean verb used for "lend" in Korean translations (kkuida) is easily misread today as "to borrow," but here it means "to lend." The image is that although the poor cannot repay, God becomes the debtor in their place and repays.

Interpretation

• God's solidarity with the poor: This reading emphasizes that God treats the plight of the poor as His own concern. Christian readers often read the verse alongside Matthew 25:40: "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
• A promise of reward: This reading takes the verse as a promise assuring that almsgiving is not a loss. Some understand the time and manner of repayment as blessings received in this life; others, as reward at the Last Judgment.
• Jewish tradition: Rabbinic literature is reported to cite the verse as a basis for understanding charity as a loan to God.

Questions Concerning Application

The verse is not the subject of major doctrinal disputes between denominations. Several questions, however, arise regarding its application.

• Reward and merit: One question is whether "will he pay him again" implies that good works become merit, that is, a basis for earning reward. Many Protestant denominations hold that justification is received by grace, and they explain this promise as God's gracious response to the good works of those who have been saved.
• Material reward: The verse is sometimes used to support the claim that those who give offerings will receive material returns many times over. Many theologians criticize this as quoting the verse out of context, since the verse concerns "the poor" and leaves the time and manner of repayment to God. Those who use the verse this way contend that it expresses faith that God does in fact repay materially as well. This issue intersects with the debate over prosperity theology.
• Relation to church offerings: Because the text speaks of giving directly to the poor, some argue that applying it wholesale to church offerings in general goes too far.

In Korean Churches

The verse is frequently cited in sermons encouraging almsgiving, in announcements for relief offerings, and at year-end events to help neighbors in need.

Related Passages

• Proverbs 14:31
• Proverbs 22:9
• Matthew 25:40
• Luke 14:13–14
• 2 Corinthians 9:6–8