Proverbs 3:9 Meaning and Explanation
“Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →We honor God by giving Him the first and best of what we have, not the leftovers.
The Context of Proverbs 3:9
In ancient Israel the firstfruits were the very first of the harvest, brought to God before the rest was gathered in (as commanded in Deuteronomy 26). To give the first was an act of faith that more would come.
What Does Proverbs 3:9 Mean?
This proverb takes worship out of the heart and puts it into the storehouse and the field. We honor the LORD with our substance, our actual goods and wages, and specifically with the firstfruits, the first and best portion. A farmer brought the first of the grain and the first of the flock to God before keeping any for himself. It was a way of saying, before anything else, that everything came from God's hand. Giving the first is harder than giving what is left, because it is given in faith that the rest is coming.
Behind this lies a tender truth: God gave us His first and His best. The Father did not hold back His own Son but gave Him up for us all (Romans 8:32), and Christ is called the firstfruits of those who have died (1 Corinthians 15:20). We honor with our firstfruits a God who already gave His. Our open hands are an answer to His.
Proverbs 3:9 in the Original Language
re'shith (רֵאשִׁית), 'firstfruits' -- the first and best, the choice opening portion offered before the rest.
How to Apply Proverbs 3:9 Today
This verse invites us to give God the first portion rather than whatever happens to be left at the end. Whether with money, time, or strength, offering Him the first is a quiet act of trust that He is the source of all the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 3:9
What does Proverbs 3:9 mean?
We honor God by giving Him the first and best of what we have, not the leftovers.
What is the context of Proverbs 3:9?
In ancient Israel the firstfruits were the very first of the harvest, brought to God before the rest was gathered in (as commanded in Deuteronomy 26). To give the first was an act of faith that more would come.
How can I apply Proverbs 3:9 today?
This verse invites us to give God the first portion rather than whatever happens to be left at the end. Whether with money, time, or strength, offering Him the first is a quiet act of trust that He is the source of all the rest.