Proverbs 22:9

9 The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.

Proverbs 22:9 in Other Translations

KJV
9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.
ESV
9 Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.
NLT
9 Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor.
MSG
9 Generous hands are blessed hands because they give bread to the poor.
CSB
9 A generous person will be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.

Proverbs 22:9 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 22:9

He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed
Or "a good eye" F25; who looks about him for proper objects to do good unto; looks pleasantly on them, and deals out cheerfully and bountifully to them; he shall be blessed with an increase of temporal good things, with spiritual blessings, and with eternal glory and happiness; when he does what he does from principles of grace, with a view to the glory of God, not depending on what he does, but upon the grace of God, and the righteousness of Christ; for he giveth of his bread to the poor;
what is his own and a part of it; not all, for he reserves some as he ought for himself and his; but he does not eat his morsel alone, he gives of it to the necessitous; his beneficent hand is a proof of his bountiful eye and liberal heart.


FOOTNOTES:

F25 (Nye bwj) "bonus oculus", Montanus, Vatablus, Cocceius; "bonus oculo", Junilus & Tremellius, Mercerus, Gejerus, Michaelis, Schultens.

Proverbs 22:9 In-Context

7 The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.
8 Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity, and the rod they wield in fury will be broken.
9 The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.
10 Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.
11 One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend.

Cross References 2

  • 1. S Deuteronomy 14:29; 2 Corinthians 9:6
  • 2. S Proverbs 11:25; S Proverbs 19:17; Proverbs 28:27
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.