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Here we read a proverb that identifies with sending forth the gospel. What the first part proverb is literally saying is: those who are generous (in sharing the gospel) will be blessed. As believers, we should not be a recluse and miser with the good news of which we have been blessed. Such behaviour is not evidence of true, humble, and gracious Christian character. Proverbs 19 instructs us:
"One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, And He will repay him for his good deed." - Proverbs 19:17.
Proverbs or parables are earthly stories with a far deeper spiritual meaning. While it is true that we should have compassion and not oppress the physically poor of the world, we must keep in mind and look for the far greater spiritual meaning and that is that the word "poor" relates to the spiritually poor or unsaved. Likewise, the bread that we share is the LORD Jesus Christ. This fact is further evidenced in the New Testament gospels:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." - Matthew 5:3,4.
"The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven? Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day." - John 6:41-44.
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