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Proverbs 22:9
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- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
9 He who is friendly is blessed; Because he giveth of his bread to the poor. The thought is the same as at Pro 11:25. טוב עין (thus to be written without Makkeph, with Munach of the first word, with correct Codd., also 1294 and Jaman), the contrast of רע עין, Pro 23:6; Pro 22:22, i.e., the envious, evil-eyed, ungracious (post-bibl. also צר עין), is one who looks kindly, is good-hearted, and as ἱλαρὸς δότης, shows himself benevolent. Such gentleness and kindness is called in the Mishna עין טובה (Aboth ii. 13), or עין יפה. Such a friend is blessed, for he has also himself scattered blessings (cf. גּם־הוּא, Pro 11:25; Pro 21:13); he has, as is said, looking back from the blessing that has happened to him, given of his bread (Luther, as the lxx, with partitive genitive: seines brots = of his bread) to the poor; cf. the unfolding of this blessing of self-denying love, Isa 8. The lxx has also here another distich: Νίκην καὶ τιμὴν περιποιεῖται ὁ δῶρα δοὺς, Τὴν μέντοι ψυχὴν ἀφαιρεῖται τῶν κεκτημένων. The first line appears a variant translation of Pro 19:6, and the second of Pro 1:19, according to which selfishness, in contrast to liberality, is the subject to be thought of. Ewald translates the second line: And he (who distributes gifts) conquers the soul of the recipients. But κεκτημένος = בּעל (בּעלים) signifies the possessor, not the recipient of anything as a gift, who cannot also be here meant because of the μέντοι.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
a bountiful eye--that is, a beneficent disposition. for he giveth . . . poor--His acts prove it.
John Gill Bible Commentary
He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed,.... Or "a good eye" (y); 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. (y) "bonus oculus", Montanus, Vatablus, Cocceius; "bonus oculo", Junilus & Tremellius, Mercerus, Gejerus, Michaelis, Schultens.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here is, 1. The description of a charitable man; he has a bountiful eye, opposed to the evil eye (Pro 23:6) and the same with the single eye (Mat 6:22), - an eye that seeks out objects of charity, besides those that offer themselves, - an eye that, upon the sight of one in want and misery, affects the heart with compassion, - an eye that with the alms gives a pleasant look, which makes the alms doubly acceptable. He has also a liberal hand: He gives of his bread to those that need - his bread, the bread appointed for his own eating. He will rather abridge himself than see the poor perish for want; yet he does not give all his bread, but of his bread; the poor shall have their share with his own family. 2. The blessedness of such a man. The loins of the poor will bless them, all about him will speak well of him, and God himself will bless him, in answer to many a good prayer put up for him, and he shall be blessed.
Proverbs 22:9
A Good Name
8He who sows injustice will reap disaster, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed. 9A generous man will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.
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Useful for the Master - Part 4
By Jackie Pullinger1.7K09:10PSA 41:1PRO 19:17PRO 22:9ISA 58:10MAT 25:40LUK 6:20LUK 14:131CO 1:26GAL 2:10JAS 2:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of ministering to the poor as a fundamental requirement for all Christians, highlighting God's heart for the marginalized and the need to reach out to them in various capacities. It challenges believers to consider their role in uplifting others and bringing about the Kingdom of God, stressing that ministry to the poor is not optional but a core aspect of following Jesus.
Isaiah 58:7-8
By Samuel Johnson0PRO 19:17PRO 22:9ISA 58:7MAT 25:35LUK 6:38GAL 6:2EPH 4:32HEB 13:16JAS 2:141JN 3:17Samuel Johnson preaches about the importance of charity and compassion towards the needy and distressed, emphasizing that God requires us to help those in need as a tribute of gratitude for His blessings. He highlights how charity not only benefits the recipients but also promotes virtue and protects individuals from falling into sin, especially in the face of poverty and temptation. Johnson urges the congregation to reflect on the shortness of life and the eternal rewards of practicing charity, reminding them that true charity arises from faith in God's promises and expects rewards in the afterlife.
God First
By Arthur Vess0PRO 3:9PRO 11:24PRO 22:9MAL 3:10MAT 6:33LUK 6:38ACT 20:352CO 9:7PHP 4:191TI 6:10Arthur Vess addresses the excuse of 'I pay my own bills and then tithe what is left,' emphasizing that our bills are not the Lord's bills. He illustrates this with a story of a colored boy asking for the rind after being denied a piece of melon, likening it to selfishness. Vess questions how one can tithe what is left when there is nothing left after bills are paid, highlighting God's claim on the first-fruits of all increase. He stresses the importance of prioritizing God's tithe over personal expenses, as God's world is in darkness and sin, and tithers are known for being prompt and faithful.
For Bedding Let This Suffice
By St. Benedict of Nursia0PRO 22:9MAT 25:35ACT 4:35PHP 2:41JN 3:17St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of communal living and the eradication of private ownership among the monks. He instructs the Abbot to regularly inspect the monks' belongings to ensure they only possess items provided by the monastery. The Abbot is encouraged to supply all necessary items to remove any excuse for personal possessions, while always considering the needs of the less fortunate. St. Benedict reminds the Abbot to base decisions on God's retribution and the principle of distributing resources according to individual needs.
Of the Practice of Covetousness in Keeping Wealth
By William Gouge0PSA 112:5PRO 11:24PRO 22:9ECC 4:8MAT 6:34ACT 20:352CO 9:71TI 6:10JAS 5:1William Gouge preaches about covetousness in keeping wealth, highlighting two practices: hoarding excessively out of fear for the future, as seen in the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12, and neglecting to provide for the common good or the needs of the poor. He emphasizes the folly of laboring endlessly for riches without satisfaction, as described in Ecclesiastes 4:8, and the sinful nature of worrying about the future, which goes against Christ's teachings in Matthew 6:34. Gouge warns against selfish accumulation of wealth and urges for a mindset of generosity and care for others.
Dearly Beloved
By David Wilkerson0God's PromisesFaithPSA 33:18PRO 22:9ISA 41:10ISA 43:2ISA 43:18JER 33:6JER 33:8EZK 12:28ROM 10:17David Wilkerson emphasizes the power of God's promises and the importance of anchoring our faith in His Word. He encourages believers to listen to the Holy Spirit and to trust in specific scriptural promises that are meant for their current situations. Wilkerson highlights that God is always with us, providing strength and healing, and urges the congregation to embrace the new things God is doing in their lives. He reassures that God's words will come to pass and that He will deliver and protect those who trust in Him.
William Tiptaft
By J.C. Philpot0PSA 112:1PRO 9:10PRO 14:27PRO 19:17PRO 22:9ISA 58:10JAS 1:221JN 3:18J.C. Philpot reflects on the remarkable life of William Tiptaft, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to self-denial, stewardship, and practical godliness. Tiptaft's dedication to living for God, serving His people, and obeying His will set him apart as a shining example of vital godliness and consistent Christian living. His fear of God was evident throughout his life, leading him to separate from the world, prioritize solitude and reflection, and exhibit a seriousness of character that inspired many. Despite his boldness and zeal for God, Tiptaft also displayed deep sympathy and solidarity with the poor, earning him the reputation of being 'the poor man's friend.'
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
9 He who is friendly is blessed; Because he giveth of his bread to the poor. The thought is the same as at Pro 11:25. טוב עין (thus to be written without Makkeph, with Munach of the first word, with correct Codd., also 1294 and Jaman), the contrast of רע עין, Pro 23:6; Pro 22:22, i.e., the envious, evil-eyed, ungracious (post-bibl. also צר עין), is one who looks kindly, is good-hearted, and as ἱλαρὸς δότης, shows himself benevolent. Such gentleness and kindness is called in the Mishna עין טובה (Aboth ii. 13), or עין יפה. Such a friend is blessed, for he has also himself scattered blessings (cf. גּם־הוּא, Pro 11:25; Pro 21:13); he has, as is said, looking back from the blessing that has happened to him, given of his bread (Luther, as the lxx, with partitive genitive: seines brots = of his bread) to the poor; cf. the unfolding of this blessing of self-denying love, Isa 8. The lxx has also here another distich: Νίκην καὶ τιμὴν περιποιεῖται ὁ δῶρα δοὺς, Τὴν μέντοι ψυχὴν ἀφαιρεῖται τῶν κεκτημένων. The first line appears a variant translation of Pro 19:6, and the second of Pro 1:19, according to which selfishness, in contrast to liberality, is the subject to be thought of. Ewald translates the second line: And he (who distributes gifts) conquers the soul of the recipients. But κεκτημένος = בּעל (בּעלים) signifies the possessor, not the recipient of anything as a gift, who cannot also be here meant because of the μέντοι.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
a bountiful eye--that is, a beneficent disposition. for he giveth . . . poor--His acts prove it.
John Gill Bible Commentary
He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed,.... Or "a good eye" (y); 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. (y) "bonus oculus", Montanus, Vatablus, Cocceius; "bonus oculo", Junilus & Tremellius, Mercerus, Gejerus, Michaelis, Schultens.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here is, 1. The description of a charitable man; he has a bountiful eye, opposed to the evil eye (Pro 23:6) and the same with the single eye (Mat 6:22), - an eye that seeks out objects of charity, besides those that offer themselves, - an eye that, upon the sight of one in want and misery, affects the heart with compassion, - an eye that with the alms gives a pleasant look, which makes the alms doubly acceptable. He has also a liberal hand: He gives of his bread to those that need - his bread, the bread appointed for his own eating. He will rather abridge himself than see the poor perish for want; yet he does not give all his bread, but of his bread; the poor shall have their share with his own family. 2. The blessedness of such a man. The loins of the poor will bless them, all about him will speak well of him, and God himself will bless him, in answer to many a good prayer put up for him, and he shall be blessed.