Eying Others’ Needs

Proverbs 22:9 has an interesting phrase in it. In the Holman Christian Standard Bible, it reads:

A generous person will be blessed,
for he shares his food with the poor. 

Young’s Literal Translation left a picture untouched in it, though:

The good of eye — he is blessed, For he hath given of his bread to the poor.

The person who has a view to see others’ needs is a profitable servant to the King. That person is looking for ways to bless the Lord: “When you did it to the least of these my brothers, you did it to Me.” (Matthew 25:40) That person is thinking of someone other than her- or him-self. That person is harboring love in their hearts.

A man with an evil eye hastens after riches,
And does not consider that poverty will come upon him.
He who gives to the poor will not lack,
But he who hides his eyes will have many curses. 
(Proverbs 28:22, 27 NKJV)