Proverbs 14:31

31 Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

Proverbs 14:31 in Other Translations

31 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.

31 Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.

31 Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but helping the poor honors him.

31 You insult your Maker when you exploit the powerless; when you're kind to the poor, you honor God.

31 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker; But he that hath mercy on the needy honoreth him.

31 Whoever oppresses the poor insults his maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors him.

31 The one who oppresses the poor insults their Maker, but one who is kind to the needy honors Him.

31 Anyone who crushes poor people makes fun of their Maker. But anyone who is kind to those in need honors 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 Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.

30 A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

31 Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God.

33 Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known.

Cross References

• 1. Proverbs 17:5
• 2. S Deuteronomy 24:14; S Job 20:19; S Matthew 10:42