Proverbs 14:31

31 He who is hard on the poor puts shame on his Maker; but he who has mercy on those who are in need gives him honour.

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 He who is slow to be angry has great good sense; but he whose spirit is over-quick gives support to what is foolish.

30 A quiet mind is the life of the body, but envy is a disease in the bones.

31 He who is hard on the poor puts shame on his Maker; but he who has mercy on those who are in need gives him honour.

32 The sinner is overturned in his evil-doing, but the upright man has hope in his righteousness.

33 Wisdom has her resting-place in the mind of the wise, but she is not seen among the foolish.