Proverbs 22:9 Commentary and Bible Study

The person Solomon has in mind here is said to have a bountiful eye, that is, he cannot look upon a situation of need without responding to it in a kind and generous way. He is obviously someone who has the capacity to do something about what he sees and to alleviate the suffering and hardship of others, and he does not hold back from giving what he has, whether it is much or little. His eye sees with kindness because he has a heart full of mercy. He sees himself as placed in a world of hardship in order to bring comfort to others. and given resources by the Lord just so that he can bring relief to those around him. The truly bountiful eye will be connected to the bountiful hand, and he will not be able to restrain himself from offering help. It is enough therefore that his eye sees and his hand will give, for he sees himself as responsible before the Lord for the needs of his neighbour. In his case, integrity leads him not to deny those whom God sets before him as in need. Integrity sees that he must not simply look upon the needs of others but that he must act. He will not disconnect the two things like the one who says, ‘Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled’ (James 2:16), and yet does nothing practical to help. Integrity knows that ‘faith, if it has no works, is dead’ (James 2:17). God is pleased with the thought of the heart, with the eye that pities, but his pleasure is reduced to nothing if there is no action following. To give costs us something, for this man gives of ‘his bread’ and he has less for himself as a result of his gift. We are not asked to give beyond what we have (Luke 3:11; 2 Corinthians 8:12-13), but we give to others trusting that the Lord will supply our needs.