Proverbs 17:5
Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.
Original Language Analysis
לֹעֵ֣ג
Whoso mocketh
H3932
לֹעֵ֣ג
Whoso mocketh
Strong's:
H3932
Word #:
1 of 8
to deride; by implication (as if imitating a foreigner) to speak unintelligibly
חֵרֵ֣ף
reproacheth
H2778
חֵרֵ֣ף
reproacheth
Strong's:
H2778
Word #:
3 of 8
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 8
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Cross References
Proverbs 14:31He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.Job 31:29If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him:Proverbs 16:5Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.1 John 3:17But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?Proverbs 14:21He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.Romans 12:15Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Historical Context
Ancient societies typically viewed poverty as divine curse and wealth as blessing. This proverb counters that view, insisting that the poor remain image-bearers deserving dignity and that mocking them offends their Creator.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you view and treat the poor as image-bearers of God?
- In what subtle ways might you show contempt for those of lower economic status?
- How should the doctrine of imago Dei shape your economic ethics and generosity?
Analysis & Commentary
Mocking the poor 'reproacheth his Maker,' for God created all people in His image. The Hebrew 'charak' (reproach/scorn) means to defame or insult. To despise those made in God's image is to insult God Himself. Similarly, 'he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.' Schadenfreude—delight in others' misfortune—is sin. Reformed theology's doctrine of the imago Dei establishes human dignity regardless of economic status. The poor deserve respect and compassion because they bear God's image. This verse grounds social ethics in theology.