Proverbs 19:17
Whoever is merciful to the poor lends to the Lord. And he will repay him for his efforts.
Catholic Public Domain Version
In The King James Version
In Context
16Whoever guards a commandment guards his own soul. But whoever neglects his own way will die.
18Teach your son; do not despair. But do not set your soul toward putting him to death.
Cross References
Deuteronomy 15:11The poor will not be absent from the land of your habitation. For this reason, I instruct you to open your hand to your indigent and poor brother, who lives among you in the land.
Psalms 41:2As the deer longs for fountains of water, so my soul longs for you, O God.
Proverbs 12:14By the fruit of his own mouth, each one shall be filled with good things, and according to the works of his own hands, it will be distributed to him.
Proverbs 14:31Whoever slanders the indigent argues against his Maker. But he who has compassion on the poor honors his Maker.
Proverbs 28:27Whoever gives to the poor shall not be in need. Whoever despises his petition will suffer scarcity.
Isaiah 58:7Break your bread with the hungry, and lead the destitute and the homeless into your house. When you see someone naked, cover him, and do not despise your own flesh.
Matthew Henry on Proverbs 19:17
16 He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die. Here is, 1. The happiness of those that walk circumspectly. Those that make conscience of keeping the commandment in every thing, that live by rule, as becomes servants and patients, keep their own souls; they secure their present peace and future bliss, and provide every way well for themselves. If we keep God's word, God's word will keep us from every thing really hurtful. 2. The misery of those that live at large… Read the whole commentary →