Proverbs 14:31

31 An oppressor of the poor reproacheth his Maker, And whoso is honouring Him Is favouring the needy.

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 Whoso is slow to anger [is] of great understanding, And whoso is short in temper is exalting folly.

30 A healed heart [is] life to the flesh, And rottenness to the bones [is] envy.

31 An oppressor of the poor reproacheth his Maker, And whoso is honouring Him Is favouring the needy.

32 In his wickedness is the wicked driven away, And trustful in his death [is] the righteous.

33 In the heart of the intelligent wisdom doth rest. And in the midst of fools it is known.