Proverbs 22:9
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He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.
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Generosity brings blessings. The God of heaven will bless the man who gives easily and liberally to those in need. The LORD looks out for the poor, for He withheld from them the abilities and opportunities He gave the rich. He is pleased to see a successful man giving cheerfully out of his excess to help those in poverty or trouble. But it is not enough to think kindly about the poor, there must also be the performance (II Cor 8:11; Jas 2:16).
Solomon wrote about caring for the poor elsewhere (19:17; 21:13; 28:27). And he also wrote about the financial returns to generous men, "The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself" (11:25). Contrary to arithmetic and the depraved human heart, giving your money away is a simple way to get ahead! Give, and it shall be given back to you in the same measure, so give generously (Luke 6:38)!
The LORD provided for the poor in the Law of Moses, when He commanded Israel to keep their hearts tender and their hands open wide to any brother in need (Deut 15:7-11). And there also He promised a blessing on those who would give. Job knew these principles well, and he appealed to his careful attention to the poor (Job 31:16-23).
David described many blessings on those who help the poor. Consider them. He wrote, "Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness" (Ps 41:1-3).
David also identified giving to the poor as a mark of a righteous man (Ps 112:9). Isaiah warned that the true worship of God required mercy on the poor, and he promised many wonderful blessings for the effort (Is 58:7-12). God is well pleased with such sacrifices (Heb 13:16), and He is able to repay in proportion to a man's liberality (II Cor 9:6-11).
But giving also proves eternal life. Paul told the rich to be "ready to distribute, willing to communicate." By so doing, they could lay "up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life" (I Tim 6:17-19). Jesus Christ will remember any act of charity done to the least of His brethren (Matt 25:31-46).
Where can you generously help someone in need? It ought to be a priority of your life to make sure you help those that need your assistance. It ought to be exciting! God has not charged you to help all the world's poor, but He will bring opportunities your way.
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