Proverbs 21:13

13 If you refuse to listen to the cries of poor people, you too will cry out and not be answered.

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 you punish someone who makes fun of others, childish people get wise. If you teach a person who is already wise, he will get even more knowledge.

12 The Blameless One knows where sinners live. And he destroys them.

13 If you refuse to listen to the cries of poor people, you too will cry out and not be answered.

14 A secret gift calms anger down. A hidden favor softens great anger.

15 When you do what is fair, you make godly people glad. But you terrify those who do what is evil.