Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

PROVERBS 3:9KJV
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Proverbs 3:9 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 3:9 mean?

Proverbs 3:9 teaches that people should show respect and reverence for the LORD by giving from their possessions, especially offering the best and first part of what they gain or produce. The verse highlights honoring God not just in words, but through tangible acts of generosity with one’s resources.

In Proverbs, a father is instructing his child on how to live wisely and faithfully. Here, the advice is practical: honor the LORD (the personal name for God in Israel) by giving from your “substance” (your wealth or possessions) and the “firstfruits” (the earliest and best portion) of all your “increase” (what you earn or harvest). This reflects a cultural practice where the first and best of the harvest was given to God as a sign of trust and gratitude.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 3:9

  • “Honour” (כָּבֵד, kavēd): This word means to give weight or value to something. In this context, it means to treat the LORD as truly important by giving Him priority in your resources.
  • “LORD” (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name for God, emphasizing a relationship rather than just a title.
  • “Substance” (הוֹן, hon): This word refers to wealth, possessions, or material goods. The verse is about honoring God with what you actually own or earn.
  • “Firstfruits” (רֵאשִׁית, rē’shīt): This word means the first and best part of a harvest or income. In ancient Israel, giving the firstfruits was a way of showing trust that God would continue to provide.
  • “Increase” (תְּבוּאָה, tevu’ah): This refers to the results of your work—what you produce, earn, or harvest.

Why Proverbs 3:9 matters

  • Proverbs 3:9 clarifies that honoring God is not just a feeling or belief, but something shown through concrete actions with one’s resources.
  • The verse emphasizes giving the “firstfruits,” which shows that God is to be given priority, not just leftovers or what is convenient.
  • This instruction fits into the larger context of Proverbs 3, which is about trusting God in every area of life, including finances and daily work.