Proverbs 21:13

13 If you close your ear to the cry of the poor, you will cry out and not be heard.

Proverbs 21:13 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 21:13

Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor
For want of bread; or, "of the weak", as the Septuagint and other versions; for want of help and protection, when in the greatest distress; and, with the most pressing importunity, entreats his assistance, and yet refuses to hear him out: or, if he does, will not relieve him, which is all one as if he heard him not, or denied him a hearing; he also shall cry himself;
the Targum and Syriac version add, "unto God". The sense is, that even such an one shall be brought into the like distressed circumstances, when he shall make application to God, and to his fellow creatures, for relief and assistance: but shall not be heard;
a deaf ear will be turned to him by both: the same measure he has measured shall be measured to him again; no mercy shall be shown to an unmerciful man, either by God or man; see ( James 2:13 ) .

Proverbs 21:13 In-Context

11 When a scoffer is punished, the simple become wiser; when the wise are instructed, they increase in knowledge.

12 The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked; he casts the wicked down to ruin.

13 If you close your ear to the cry of the poor, you will cry out and not be heard.

14 A gift in secret averts anger; and a concealed bribe in the bosom, strong wrath.

15 When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous, but dismay to evildoers.