Psalm 112:9

Hebrew Bible

7 He does not fear bad news. He is confident; he trusts in the Lord. 8 His resolve is firm; he will not succumb to fear before he looks in triumph on his enemies. 9 He generously gives to the needy; his integrity endures. He will be vindicated and honored. 10 When the wicked see this, they will worry; they will grind their teeth in frustration and melt away. The desire of the wicked will perish.

2 Corinthians 9:9

New Testament

7 Each one of you should give just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace overflow to you so that because you have enough of everything in every way at all times, you will overflow in every good work. 9 Just as it is written, “He has scattered widely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness remains forever.” 10 Now God who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your supply of seed and will cause the harvest of your righteousness to grow. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous on every occasion, which is producing through us thanksgiving to God,

 Notes and References

"... The discussion here is not exhaustive, and certainly other Old Testament texts featured (though perhaps less prominently) in early Christian discourse about atoning almsgiving. Cyprian, e.g., cites LXX Job 1:5 to claim that almsgiving can purge even the sins of one’s children. Mention here should at least be made of the portrayal of the righteous individual in Psalm 112, not least because the apostle Paul cites Psalm 112:9 in 2 Corinthians 9:9 in the context of an appeal for the Corinthians to give generously to needy believers in Jerusalem. The individual in Psalm 112 is described as “merciful and compassionate and righteous”, and among his virtuous practices are a compassionate willingness to lend (verse 5). Psalm 112:9 is particularly pertinent not only because of Paul’s later citation but also because it appears to link generosity with the reward of righteousness ..."

Downs, David J. Alms: Charity, Reward, and Atonement in Early Christianity (p. 56) Baylor University Press, 2016

 User Comments

Do you have questions or comments about these texts? Please submit them here.