Translation commentary on Proverbs 28:27

The idea that giving to the poor leads to an increase in a person’s wealth is expressed in such sayings as 11.24-25; 19.17; 22.9.

“He who gives to the poor will not want”: “Will not want” may be expressed as “will not be in need” or “will not be poor.”

“But he who hides his eyes will get many a curse”: In this context “hides his eyes” means “closes his eyes to the needs of the poor” or “refuses to help the poor.” For “curse” see 3.33. It is not certain who he will be cursed by. In 3.33 it is by the Lord. Here the curse may come from the Lord or from the poor themselves. Contemporary English Version and others take it to be from the poor: “but if you close your eyes to their needs, everyone will curse you.” See also Good News Translation.

An example of the way this verse can be rendered is: “The person who opens his hand to the poor will not experience a lack of anything. But many curses will be on the person who closes his eyes to the poor.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Proverbs. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

complete verse (Proverbs 28:27)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Proverbs 28:27:

  • Kupsabiny: “A person who saves the poor will not lack anything,
    but the one who turns his back on the poor is cursed.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Give to the needy! You will never become needy.
    [If] anyone who has no concern for them [the poor],
    everyone will curse them
    [those who have no concern for the poor].” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “A man who is generous to the poor-ones will- never -lack-nothing, but the one who does- not -help the poor-ones will-receive many curses.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “The one who gives to the poor will not be-lacking (what he needs), but the one who does not pay-attention to them, many will curse (them).” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • English: “Those who give things to poor people will not become poor,
    but many people will curse those who refuse to help poor people.” (Source: Translation for Translators)