Proverbs 28:27 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.

NIV: Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.

NASB: One who gives to the poor will never lack anything, But one who shuts his eyes will have many curses.

CSB: The one who gives to the poor will not be in need, but one who turns his eyes away will receive many curses.

NLT: Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.

KJV: He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

NKJV: He who gives to the poor will not lack, But he who hides his eyes will have many curses.

Generosity reflects a godly spirit (Proverbs 14:21; 19:17) which is associated with better chances of earthly success (Proverbs 11:24; 28:25). Other proverbs note that those who properly care for the weak and needy are following God's will (Proverbs 14:31). This is one reason that those who are generous are more likely to succeed than those who are entitled and stingy (Proverbs 11:24; 28:22). This is contrasted with those who claim they didn't know about the needs of others, when they're simply choosing to look the other way (Proverbs 21:13; 24:11–12). The Lord and men look favorably on those who are giving, but greedy people are looked down on by both (Proverbs 11:26; 28:3).

In the Law God gave to Israel, He told farmers not to harvest fields right up to the edge or strip their vineyards bare. They were to leave some of the wheat and the fallen grapes for the poor and those travelling (Leviticus 19:9–10). When Naomi returned from Moab to Bethlehem, she was a widow, and was accompanied by her widowed daughter-in-law Ruth. Naomi had a relative of her late husband who was a righteous man. His name was Boaz, and he was a farmer. He was also very generous. Seeing Ruth following the reapers in his field and gleaning after them, Boaz instructed his reapers to let Ruth follow behind them to get the most possible grain. He also provided her with water and food (Ruth 2).

This passage features many direct contrasts. The lessons are attributed to Solomon, later compiled into the Book of Proverbs by men under king Hezekiah (Proverbs 25:1). Common themes in this chapter are work ethic, generosity, fairness, and reputation. Comments on rulers or leaders make up many of the teachings recorded in this section.

This continues a list compiled by Hezekiah's men, recording proverbs associated with Solomon (Proverbs 25:1). The collection continues until the end of chapter 29. The lessons in this passage repeat teachings on generosity and the dangers of greed, as well as the damage done by wicked rulers.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.