What does Proverbs 31:20 mean?

Scripture commends those who care for the disadvantaged (Proverbs 14:31; 19:17; 31:9). As part of describing an ideal wife (Proverbs 31:10), this passage refers to a charitable, generous spirit. In contrast, the Bible condemns those who are greedy or who take advantage of the less fortunate (Proverbs 30:13–14). A generous spirit is not only morally upright, but it also brings personal success more reliably than being stingy (Proverbs 11:24–25).

During trying times in the history of the early church at Jerusalem, the believers who owned properties "sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need" (Acts 4:34–35). As a result of this show of compassion and generosity, "there was not a needy person among them." Later, when a council of churches convened in Jerusalem, James, Peter, and John asked Paul and Barnabas to remember the poor. Paul writes it was "the very thing [he] was eager to do" (Galatians 2:10).