Proverbs 14:31

31 Those who exploit the powerless anger their maker, while those who are kind to the poor honor God.

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 Patience leads to abundant understanding, but impatience leads to stupid mistakes.
30 A peaceful mind gives life to the body, but jealousy rots the bones.
31 Those who exploit the powerless anger their maker, while those who are kind to the poor honor God.
32 The wicked are thrown down by their own evil, but the righteous find refuge even in death.
33 Wisdom resides in an understanding heart, but it's not known in fools.
Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible