Proverbs 14:31
He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.
Original Language Analysis
עֹ֣שֵֽׁק
He that oppresseth
H6231
עֹ֣שֵֽׁק
He that oppresseth
Strong's:
H6231
Word #:
1 of 7
to press upon, i.e., oppress, defraud, violate, overflow
דָּ֭ל
the poor
H1800
דָּ֭ל
the poor
Strong's:
H1800
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin
חֵרֵ֣ף
reproacheth
H2778
חֵרֵ֣ף
reproacheth
Strong's:
H2778
Word #:
3 of 7
to pull off, i.e., (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth (as if a surrender); figuratively, to carp at, i.e., defame;
עֹשֵׂ֑הוּ
his Maker
H6213
עֹשֵׂ֑הוּ
his Maker
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
4 of 7
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וּ֝מְכַבְּד֗וֹ
but he that honoureth
H3513
וּ֝מְכַבְּד֗וֹ
but he that honoureth
Strong's:
H3513
Word #:
5 of 7
to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same
Cross References
Proverbs 22:2The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.Proverbs 17:5Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.Proverbs 19:17He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.Proverbs 22:16He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.1 John 4:21And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.Ecclesiastes 5:8If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.Psalms 12:5For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.Proverbs 14:21He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.John 12:8For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.
Historical Context
Israel's laws protected the poor, widow, orphan, and stranger, reflecting God's concern for vulnerable populations. Prophets condemned oppression as covenant violation, not mere social injustice.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you honor God through practical mercy toward those in need?
- Where might you be oppressing others through neglect or exploitation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Oppressing the poor insults their Creator, while honoring Him requires mercy to the needy. This grounds social justice in theology—the imago Dei demands dignity for all humans regardless of socioeconomic status. Generosity toward the poor demonstrates reverence for God who made them.