Proverbs 19:17

Commentary on Proverbs 19:17 (NKJV) 

Proverbs 19:17 (NKJV): “He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given.” 

Context and Theological Insights 

Proverbs 19 is a chapter rich with wisdom and practical advice for living a life that honours God. The verse in question, Proverbs 19:17, highlights the importance of showing compassion and generosity towards the poor. This verse is seen as a call to reflect God’s character through acts of mercy and kindness. 

Teaching from Proverbs 19:17 

1. Compassion for the Poor: The verse emphasises that showing pity or compassion to the poor is akin to lending to the Lord. This implies that God identifies with the poor and values acts of kindness towards them. This reflects the imago Dei (image of God) in every person, calling believers to treat others with dignity and respect. 

2. Divine Recompense: The promise that “He will pay back what he has given” assures believers that their acts of generosity will not go unnoticed by God. This is not to suggest a transactional relationship with God but rather to highlight His faithfulness and justice. God rewards those who act in accordance with His will, not necessarily with material wealth, but with spiritual blessings and a deeper relationship with Him. 

3. Reflection of God’s Character: Believers are called to imitate Christ, who showed ultimate compassion and sacrifice. By helping the poor, Christians reflect God’s love and mercy, fulfilling the command to love one’s neighbour (Matthew 22:39). 

4. Stewardship and Responsibility: This verse also teaches about stewardship. Believers are stewards of God’s resources and are called to use them to further His kingdom. Helping the poor is a practical way to live out this stewardship, recognising that all we have is ultimately God’s. 

Application to Modern Christian Living 

• Practical Generosity: Christians are encouraged to actively seek out opportunities to help those in need, whether through financial support, volunteering, or advocacy. This aligns with the broader biblical mandate to care for the vulnerable (James 1:27). 

• Community Involvement: Churches and Christian communities can organise initiatives to support the poor, such as food drives, shelters, and educational programs. This fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility. 

• Personal Reflection: Believers are called to examine their own lives and attitudes towards wealth and poverty. This involves recognising the blessings they have received and being willing to share them with others. 

Bibliography 

1. The Holy Bible, New King James Version. Thomas Nelson, 1982. 

2. Calvin, John. Commentaries on the Book of Proverbs. Christian Classics Ethereal Library. 

3. Sproul, R.C. Essential Truths of the Christian Faith. Tyndale House Publishers, 1992. 

4. Piper, John. Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist. Multnomah Publishers, 2003. 

5. Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Zondervan, 1994.