Lendeth Unto the Lord

By Hunter Grills

December 9, 2025

Proverbs 19:17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

The word pity is essentially compassion accompanied with some act of charity or benevolence. In Deuteronomy 15:7-8, we read, If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: 8 But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth.

In Proverbs 19, having pity on the poor is said to be lending to the Lord. This profound truth reminds us: 

• That we are to be faithful stewards in the resources God has given us. 
• That God cares much for the poor and needy. 
• That God blesses the generous.

Lending unto the Lord by having pity on the poor is a wonderful truth to keep in mind this holiday season. Many readers of this devotion support the Lighthouse Children’s Homes and are lending unto the Lord by having pity on poor children around the world. 

May God bless the generosity of His faithful servants and grant us opportunities to lend unto Him. 

Reflection—We can never outgive the good and gracious Lord.