An Idea Borrowed

Years ago on a radio program someone shared that they read a chapter in Proverbs every day. Since there are 31 chapters and the longest month has 31 days it allows you to read through Proverbs on a regular basis. I use it as the launch pad for my personal worship time and branch out from there. On this blog I will try to share some of the insights I have in the Word. I will try to organize them in the archive by reference.

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Curse Magnet

(Proverbs 28:27 KJV)  He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

I should worry about “curses” (3994).  I say that because I have a tendency to rationalize and justify why others are going through hard times.  Because I am aware of it I am dealing with it.  The line between discernment and compassion should be drawn by grace and mercy, not my version of justice.  Or maybe I should say it needs to be erased. 

Are the “curses” (3994) verbal from the “poor” (7326), proclaimed by God or just the natural results of selfishness on our lives?  The paraphrases tend to side with the first. 
(Proverbs 28:27 GNB)  Give to the poor and you will never be in need. If you close your eyes to the poor, many people will curse you.
I think the Hebrew leaves it open.

So?  Any way you want to translate this the result is help for the poor.  It doesn’t promise blessings, just an absence of curses.  I think it is the same thing. 

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