Here is an insight that should transform the way we think about giving and or obedience. Solomon tells us that when we give to the poor, we are actually lending to the Lord. How is it that Solomon comes to this conclusion? The Bible tells us in several places that it is God’s desire for us to show mercy to the poor. As we do this, we take the same attitude that Paul commands servant to take in Ephesians 6 – we give as if we are giving to the Lord. In other words, we give because God told us to show mercy, not because we think the recipient of our mercy will be a faithful steward. There is freedom in this type of attitude; it is the freedom to obey God, without trying to micromanage the fruit or consequences of our obedience. The second half of this verse is not an encouragement to throw discernment out the window; however, it is a truth that should keep us from being paralyzed by the fear of being scammed. If our giving to the poor is lending to the Lord, and the Lord will pay again that which we have given, we are free to be faithful in the opportunities the Lord gives us to show mercy.