Proverbs 22:9 kjv

He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

Proverbs 22:9 nkjv

He who has a generous eye will be blessed, For he gives of his bread to the poor.

Proverbs 22:9 niv

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

Proverbs 22:9 esv

Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.

Proverbs 22:9 nlt

Blessed are those who are generous,
because they feed the poor.

Proverbs 22 verses

Proverbs 22 9 Meaning

Proverbs 22:9 proclaims that a person characterized by a generous and benevolent disposition—an "abundant eye"—will experience divine favor and blessing. This blessing is directly linked to the practical expression of their inner kindness: sharing their sustenance, even their "bread," with those in need, particularly the poor. The verse emphasizes that true generosity springs from a heart willing to give, and such acts of charity are recognized and rewarded by God.

Proverbs 22 9 Context

Proverbs chapter 22 is part of a larger collection of wisdom sayings (Proverbs 10-22:16 often called the "Proverbs of Solomon"), which focus on practical righteousness and the consequences of moral choices. This particular verse falls within a section dealing with various aspects of righteous living, including the importance of a good name, the reality of wealth and poverty, the wisdom of diligence, and the care for the vulnerable. The wisdom taught here emphasizes that true prosperity and blessing are not solely about accumulating personal wealth but also about living a life of generosity, recognizing God's role as the ultimate provider and caring for fellow human beings. Historically, in ancient Israel, provisions were made for the poor (e.g., gleaning laws in Lev 19:9-10, Deut 24:19-22; tithes in Deut 14:28-29), reflecting a divine command for social responsibility. Proverbs 22:9 highlights the individual's role and disposition in upholding this covenantal ethic, contrasting a generous "good eye" with the stinginess of an "evil eye," which was a recognized idiom for an ungracious or envious spirit. This polemic is against a self-serving mentality that prioritizes personal gain above communal well-being and divinely-mandated care for the needy.

Proverbs 22 9 Word analysis

• He who has: Indicates a characteristic trait or consistent behavior rather than a singular event. It points to a disposition of heart.
• a bountiful eye: This is a direct translation of the Hebrew idiom עַיִן טוֹבָה (ayin tovah), meaning literally "a good eye." This phrase describes an inner disposition of generosity, kindness, and ungrudging benevolence. In Hebrew thought, the "eye" (ayin) is often seen as the window to the soul, reflecting one's inner character. A "good eye" signifies contentment, a lack of covetousness, and a willingness to share, whereas an "evil eye" (ayin ra'ah or ayin ra) signifies stinginess, envy, and greed.
• will be blessed: From the Hebrew verb בָּרַךְ (barakh), in the passive voice (yəvōrāḵ). This implies that the blessing originates from a higher power, namely God Himself. It denotes divine favor, prosperity, and overall well-being, both material and spiritual, beyond mere good fortune.
• for he gives: This phrase (ki' yittēn) links the internal disposition ("bountiful eye") to its outward, tangible manifestation. It signifies a concrete action of benevolence, not just a feeling or intention. The conjunction "for" (ki') explains why the blessedness comes—it's directly tied to the action.
• of his bread: Represents sustenance, daily provision, and even what is necessary for one's own living. It implies that the giving is not necessarily from an overflowing surplus but often involves a measure of personal sacrifice or sharing what is essential. This elevates the act from simple charity to a deeper form of empathy and reliance on God.
• to the poor: The Hebrew word is לַדָּל (la'dal), referring to someone who is weak, helpless, lowly, or impoverished. It emphasizes targeting aid to those who are truly in need and without means.

Words-group analysis:

• "He who has a bountiful eye": This phrase encapsulates the virtuous character that leads to blessing. It's not just about giving occasionally, but about possessing an innate inclination toward generosity and benevolence.
• "will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor": This segment outlines the consequence and the evidence. The blessing is a direct result of the active expression of the generous disposition—the tangible act of sharing one's resources with the needy. The "bread" and "the poor" emphasize the practical, often sacrificial, and focused nature of this generosity.

Proverbs 22 9 Bonus section

The concept of "lending to the LORD" (Prov 19:17) is closely intertwined with the idea of being blessed for giving to the poor. When a person with a "bountiful eye" gives their bread to the poor, they are, in essence, making an investment with God. This divine investment ensures a return that transcends material gain, encompassing spiritual fulfillment, divine favor, and sometimes even increased material provision. The blessing is a testimony to God's justice and His commitment to upholding the righteous. The practice of giving to the poor also acts as a spiritual discipline, cultivating humility, compassion, and dependence on God, all of which contribute to the holistic well-being of the giver. It's a testament that true security lies not in hoarding, but in giving generously and trusting God.

Proverbs 22 9 Commentary

Proverbs 22:9 beautifully articulates a fundamental principle of divine economy: the pathway to genuine blessing lies in heartfelt generosity, particularly towards the less fortunate. The "bountiful eye" (ayin tovah) is crucial, representing an internal disposition free from greed, envy, or miserliness. It's an attitude that sees with compassion and is willing to share, contrasting sharply with the "evil eye" (a common Hebrew idiom for stinginess). The blessing that follows is not a mere consequence of good karma, but a direct result of God's favor upon those who mirror His own character of gracious giving. The act of giving "of his bread" is significant; it suggests sharing essential sustenance, indicating that generosity isn't just about giving from surplus, but from a willingness to meet immediate, foundational needs, even when it costs something. Such a person honors God by acting as His instrument of provision for the needy, thereby demonstrating faith in God's ultimate supply for themselves. This wisdom applies universally, reinforcing the timeless truth that selflessness in giving opens the door to God's abundance in unexpected and meaningful ways.