Proverbs 14:31

31 Whoever oppresses a poor man ¹insults his ²Maker, ³but he who is generous 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 Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.

30 A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.

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

32 The wicked is overthrown through his evildoing, but the righteous finds refuge in his death.

33 Wisdom rests in the heart of a man of understanding, but it makes itself known even in the midst of fools.

Cross References

• 1. Proverbs 17:5; [Matthew 25:40, 45]
• 2. Proverbs 22:2; See Job 35:10
• 3. Proverbs 28:8