What does Proverbs 19:17 mean?
"He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again." - Proverbs 19:17

Proverbs 19:17 in the King James Version of the Bible states, "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord, and that which he hath given will he pay him again." This verse speaks to the importance of showing compassion and generosity to those in need, and the promise of reward from God for those who do so. It is a powerful reminder of the impact acts of kindness can have, not only on those who receive them, but also on the individuals who offer them.
The themes present in this verse are compassion, generosity, and divine justice. The passage emphasizes the significance of caring for the less fortunate and the promise of spiritual repayment for doing so. It serves as a reminder to believers of their responsibility to show kindness and mercy to those who are in need, and the assurance that God will ultimately reward and repay those who do so.
In the context of the book of Proverbs, this verse is part of the collection of wise teachings attributed to King Solomon. These teachings are intended to provide guidance and instruction for moral living, and the importance of caring for the poor and marginalized is a recurring theme throughout the book. It emphasizes the biblical principle of caring for the less fortunate and the vulnerable members of society, which is also echoed in other parts of the Bible.
The symbolism in this verse lies in the idea of lending to the Lord through acts of kindness and compassion. It suggests that when we help those in need, we are in essence lending to God Himself, and He will repay us for our good deeds. This imagery conveys the idea that our acts of generosity and mercy are not in vain, but rather have significance and value in the eyes of God.
The verse also alludes to the concept of divine justice and reward for those who practice righteousness and kindness. It presents the idea that God sees and acknowledges our actions, and will ultimately repay us for our deeds. This serves as a source of encouragement for believers, especially during times of uncertainty or hardship, as it offers the promise of spiritual blessings and rewards for their efforts to help others.
Moreover, the emphasis on caring for the poor and needy reflects the broader biblical message of social justice and compassion. Throughout the Bible, there are numerous exhortations to care for the marginalized and the oppressed, and this verse in Proverbs reinforces this moral imperative. It reminds believers that their faith must be expressed through concrete actions of love and service towards others, especially those who are most vulnerable in society.
In conclusion, Proverbs 19:17 in the King James Version of the Bible conveys a powerful message about the importance of compassion and generosity towards the poor and needy. It emphasizes the significance of these acts of kindness in the eyes of God, and offers the promise of divine repayment for those who practice them. It serves as a reminder of the biblical call to care for the less fortunate and to seek justice and mercy for those who are in need. As such, it continues to be a source of inspiration and guidance for believers seeking to live out their faith in practical and meaningful ways.
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Proverbs 19:17 - "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again."
"He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again." - Proverbs 19:17
Proverbs 17:19 - "He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction."
Proverbs 14:17-19 - "17: A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated. 18: The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. 19: Evildoers will bow down in the presence of the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous."
"He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction." - Proverbs 17:19
Proverbs 17:17 - "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
Proverbs 17:6
Proverbs 19:8
Proverbs 19:8
Proverbs 27:17
Proverbs 27:17
"17: A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated. 18: The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. 19: Evildoers will bow down in the presence of the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous." - Proverbs 14:17-19
Proverbs 6:16-19 (KJVA) 16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Proverbs 6:16-19 (KJVA) 16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Proverbs 17:27-28
Proverbs 17:27-28
Proverbs 17:27-28
Proverbs 19:19 - "A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again."
Proverbs 19:29 - "Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools."
Luke 10:17-19
Luke 10:17-19
Proverbs 4:17 - "For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence."
Proverbs 4:19 - "The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble."
Proverbs 7:19 - "For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey:"
"A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." - Proverbs 17:17
Proverbs 5:17 - "Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee."
Proverbs 1:17 - "Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird."
"A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." - Proverbs 17:17
Genesis 17-19
Genesis 19-17