Proverbs 22:9 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

A bountiful eye - in contrast to an 'evil eye against one's poor brother' (Deuteronomy 15:9), as the Levite "looked on" the wounded man, and yet "passed by on the other side" (Luke 10:32). It is by looking upon our brother's need that we are moved to pity and to relieve him.

Shall be blessed - by God (2 Corinthians 9:6), by the poor (Job 31:20), and by all good men.

For he giveth of his bread - not it all, but a portion of it. The claims of our own families are not to be forgotten.

Proverbs 22:9

9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.