Proverbs 14:31

31 Whoever oppresses the poor taunts their Maker, but whoever 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 A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly.

30 A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

31 Whoever oppresses the poor taunts their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him.

32 The wicked man is thrown down by his own sin, but the righteous man has a refuge even in death.

33 Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning; even among fools she is known.