Proverbs 28:27 - Meaning and Application

Here is a promise to the generous person. Whoever gives to the poor will not be made poorer by it. He will not lack what he truly needs. If he has only a little and seems likely to lose even that, let him still give from his little. That kind of mercy kept the widow of Zarephath alive when she had only a handful of flour left, and she gave Elijah a little bread first. If he has much, let him give much from it, and that will not make his store shrink in the long run. He and his family will not go without what is given in loving charity. What we give in this way is never lost.

Here is also a warning to the unkind. The person who shuts his eyes so he does not see the poor person’s misery, or read the poor person’s request, does this because he does not want his heart touched and his hand moved to help. Such a person will receive many curses, from both God and people, and those curses will not be without cause. It is a dreadful thing to have both the word of God and the prayers of the poor against you.