A generous soul will prosper
This phrase emphasizes the principle of generosity leading to prosperity. In the biblical context, prosperity is not solely material wealth but includes spiritual and emotional well-being. The Hebrew culture valued generosity as a reflection of God's character, as seen in Deuteronomy 15:10, where giving to the needy is encouraged with the promise of blessing. The idea of a "soul" prospering suggests a holistic view of success, encompassing peace, joy, and fulfillment. This aligns with Jesus' teaching in Luke 6:38, where He states that giving will result in receiving, pressed down and overflowing.

and he who refreshes others
The act of refreshing others can be understood as providing support, encouragement, or resources to those in need. In ancient Israel, hospitality was a crucial cultural value, often involving providing food, shelter, and rest to travelers and the needy. This practice is seen in the story of Abraham in Genesis 18, where he refreshes the three visitors. The concept of refreshing others is also echoed in the New Testament, where Paul speaks of Onesiphorus refreshing him in 2 Timothy 1:16.

will himself be refreshed
This promise of reciprocal refreshment suggests a divine principle of sowing and reaping, as seen in Galatians 6:7-9. The idea is that God rewards those who selflessly care for others. This reflects the character of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45). The refreshing can be spiritual, emotional, or even physical, as God provides for those who align their actions with His will. This principle encourages believers to trust in God's provision and faithfulness, knowing that their acts of kindness will not go unnoticed.

1. Solomon
Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs often provide practical guidance for living a life that honors God.

2. Ancient Israel
The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction.

3. The Generous Soul
This refers to any individual who embodies generosity, a key virtue in the wisdom literature of the Bible.

4. The Refreshed
Those who benefit from the generosity of others, experiencing renewal and encouragement.

5. The Prosperous
In the context of Proverbs, prosperity often includes spiritual, emotional, and sometimes material well-being, resulting from living according to God's wisdom.The Principle of Generosity
Generosity is a core biblical principle that reflects God's character. As believers, we are called to be generous, not just with our resources, but with our time, encouragement, and love.

Reciprocity in Refreshment
When we invest in others, whether through acts of kindness, support, or sharing resources, we often find ourselves refreshed and encouraged in return. This is a divine principle of reciprocity.

Prosperity Beyond Material Wealth
Biblical prosperity encompasses spiritual and emotional well-being. A generous soul prospers in ways that transcend material wealth, experiencing joy, peace, and fulfillment.

Living Out Generosity Daily
Practical ways to live out generosity include volunteering, mentoring, giving financially, and offering emotional support. These actions reflect the heart of God and build community.

The Impact of Generosity on Community
Generosity strengthens relationships and communities. When individuals are generous, it creates a ripple effect, encouraging others to also give and support one another.Verse 25. - The sentiment of the preceding verse is here carried on and confirmed. The liberal soul; literally, the soul of blessings, the man that blesses others by giving liberally. Shall be made fat (Proverbs 13:4; Proverbs 28:25). The term is used of the rich and prosperous (Psalm 22:29). Septuagint, "Every simple soul is blessed." He that watereth - benefits and refreshes others - shall be watered also himself; shall receive the blessing which he imparts. The Vulgate introduces another idea, Qui inebriat, ipse quoque inebriabitur, where the verb implies rather abundance than excess, as in Proverbs 5:19, etc. The Septuagint departs widely from the present text: "A passionate man is not graceful" (εὐσχήμων), i.e. is ugly in appearance and manner - a sentiment which may be very true, but it is not clear how it found its way into the passage. St. Chrysostom comments upon it in 'Hom.' 17, on St. John. There are some Eastern proverbs on the stewardship of the rich. When a good man gets riches, it is like fruit falling into the midst of the village. The riches of the good are like water turned into a rice field. The good, like clouds, receive only to give away. The rivers themselves drink not their water; nor do the trees eat their own sweet fruit, and the clouds eat not the crops. The garment in which you clothe another will last longer than that in which you clothe yourself. Who gives alms sows one and reaps a thousand.

Parallel Commentaries ...


A generous
בְּרָכָ֥ה (bə·rā·ḵāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1293: Benediction, prosperity

soul
נֶֽפֶשׁ־ (ne·p̄eš-)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion

will prosper,
תְדֻשָּׁ֑ן (ṯə·ḏuš·šān)
Verb - Pual - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1878: To be fat, to fatten, to anoint, to satisfy, to remove, ashes

and he who refreshes others
וּ֝מַרְוֶ֗ה (ū·mar·weh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7301: To be saturated, drink one's fill

will himself
ה֥וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

be refreshed.
יוֹרֶֽא׃ (yō·w·re)
Verb - Hofal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3384: To flow as water, to lay, throw, to point out, to teach


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 11:25 The liberal soul shall be made fat (Prov. Pro Pr)