Bible Strands
Proverbs 19:17
Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — A wisdom teacher addresses a general audience, placing this instruction between a warning against carelessness (19:16) and the duty to discipline a son (19:18). The moment is practical instruction on how to live, not theological discourse.
The words — מַלְוֵה (malveh), "lending," is the noun form of the verb for extending a loan; the verse deliberately frames kindness to the poor as a financial transaction with Yahweh rather than a one-time gift.
The thread — Proverbs 28:27 pairs giving to the poor with freedom from need; Luke 6:38 promises a "good measure, pressed down" in return for giving; Hebrews 6:10 grounds the expectation in God's justice — He will not forget.
Why it lands — It removes the reader's anxiety about whether the poor person will repay or even notice; the transaction is with God, and the obligation is to act now on the basis of His character.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 28:27 Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses.
- Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.
- Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”
- 2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
- Matthew 25:40 And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’
- Ecclesiastes 11:1 Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again.
- Isaiah 58:7 Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
- Matthew 10:41 Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward.
- Proverbs 11:24 One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor.
- Proverbs 14:21 He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who shows kindness to the poor.