Proverbs 14:31

31 The oppressor of the poor insults his maker, but he who is kind to the needy honors him.

Proverbs 14:31 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 14:31

He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker
That does him any injury, either by scoffing at him, and reproaching him for his poverty; or by vexatious law suits; or by withholding from him his wages; or not giving him that relief which he ought: such an one not only injures the poor man; but reproaches God that made him, not only a man, but a poor man; and who is the Maker of the rich man also, ( Proverbs 22:2 ) ; but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor;
he that is desirous of honouring God, and glorifying him, will give of his substance to the poor; having compassion on him in his necessitous circumstances, will relieve him; and in so doing he honours God, whose image the poor man bears, and who has commanded him so to do. The words may be rendered, "he that hath mercy on the poor honoureth him"; that is, his Maker: so the Targum,

``he that hath mercy on him that suffers injury honoureth him.''

Proverbs 14:31 In-Context

29 Being slow to anger goes with great understanding, being quick-tempered makes folly still worse.

30 A tranquil mind gives health to the body, but envy rots the bones.

31 The oppressor of the poor insults his maker, but he who is kind to the needy honors him.

32 The wicked are brought down by their wrongdoing, but the righteous can be confident even at death.

33 Wisdom is at rest in a person with discernment, but in fools it has to call attention to itself.