Proverbs 14:31 kjv

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

Proverbs 14:31 nkjv

He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, But he who honors Him has mercy on the needy.

Proverbs 14:31 niv

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

Proverbs 14:31 esv

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

Proverbs 14:31 nlt

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

Proverbs 14 verses

Proverbs 14 31 Meaning

Proverbs 14:31 profoundly declares that actions towards the poor are directly perceived by God. He who actively oppresses or exploits the financially and socially vulnerable expresses contempt for God Himself, their Creator. Conversely, showing kindness, compassion, and generosity to those in need is an act of deep reverence and honor towards God. The verse underscores God's personal identification with the impoverished, making their well-being a reflection of one's respect for Him.

Proverbs 14 31 Context

Proverbs chapter 14 belongs to the instructional wisdom literature of the Old Testament, offering a collection of aphorisms that contrast the ways of wisdom and foolishness, righteousness and wickedness. Throughout this chapter, various antithetical parallelisms are employed to highlight the stark differences in outcome and character between those who walk in God's ways and those who do not. The surrounding verses touch on themes of discernment, diligence, justice, integrity, and the ultimate judgment that follows human actions. Verse 31 specifically elevates the issue of social justice, demonstrating that actions towards the marginalized are not merely societal issues but are profoundly theological matters. In the ancient Israelite context, God was explicitly understood as the defender of the poor, widow, and orphan—a unique stance compared to many surrounding cultures where the weak often had no divine recourse. This verse reinforces the covenantal understanding that faithfulness to God intrinsically includes compassionate care for His creation, especially the vulnerable.

Proverbs 14 31 Word analysis

• He who oppresses (עוֹשֵׁ֣ק, `osheq`): From the Hebrew root `ashaq`, meaning to defraud, extort, oppress, violate, or treat wrongfully. It implies not merely neglecting but actively harming through unjust dealings, exploitation, or the misuse of power. It signifies a forceful act of taking or withholding what rightfully belongs to another, often by intimidation or authority.
• the poor (דָּ֫ל, `dal`): Refers to the weak, powerless, lowly, or those of limited means. It denotes not just economic poverty but often social vulnerability and inability to defend oneself.
• shows contempt for (חֵרֵ֣ף, `chereph`): From the Hebrew root `charaph`, meaning to taunt, insult, defy, reproach, or blaspheme. It's a strong term indicating public dishonor, disrespect, and an affront. To show contempt for one's Maker implies treating God with utter disregard.
• their Maker (עֹשֵׂ֑הוּ, `osēhū`): From the Hebrew verb `asah`, meaning "to make" or "to do." This term emphasizes God's role as the Creator of all humanity, including the poor. It highlights the inherent dignity of every person as fashioned in the image of God, linking harm to them directly to an attack on the Creator's handiwork.
• but whoever is kind to (וּ֝מְכַבְּד֥וֹ, `ūmᵊḵabbəḏō` from the root `kabad` and כִּבֶּד, `kibbed`): This phrase encompasses concepts of favoring, showing compassion, and generosity. The action word implies active beneficence, mercy, and thoughtful care. It contrasts sharply with "oppresses." In the latter half of the verse, "honors God" is better translated by a separate word `kibbed` "honored".
• the needy (אֶבְיוֹן, `ʾeḇyōn`): Similar to `dal`, but often emphasizing destitution or begging. It highlights a state of extreme lack, necessitating reliance on others' generosity.
• honors God (כִּבֶּ֥ד אָבִֽיהוּ, `kibbed abīhū`): Literally, "honors his Father." The contrast between `Maker` and `Father` is significant. "Maker" emphasizes creation and sovereignty; "Father" highlights an intimate, relational, and protective care. Thus, treating the needy kindly is an act of filial devotion and respect for God as the benevolent Father of all.

• "He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker": This clause establishes a profound theological principle. It posits that harming or exploiting the vulnerable is not merely a social injustice but a direct affront and act of defiance against the divine Creator. It underscores that human dignity is derived from God, making oppression an act of devaluing God's creation.
• "but whoever is kind to the needy honors God": This second clause presents the divine counterpoint. Acts of mercy, kindness, and generosity toward those in desperate need are framed as direct worship and reverence for God. The Hebrew word choice "honors His Father" (implicitly, God) highlights the personal and intimate relationship between God and His children, reinforcing that care for the weak is central to honoring God's paternal character.

Proverbs 14 31 Bonus section

This proverb articulates the theological basis for social justice within the wisdom tradition, showing that it is not merely a political or humanitarian concern but a core expression of one's relationship with God. The juxtaposition of "Maker" in the first clause and "Father" in the second emphasizes God's multifaceted relationship with humanity: as sovereign Creator who imbues all with worth, and as a benevolent Father who cares deeply for His children, particularly those most vulnerable. Therefore, injustice against the poor is framed as patricide—an attack on God's fatherhood and an affront to His divine parenthood. The verse thus highlights an integral biblical principle that separates the truly righteous from the outwardly religious: authentic devotion to God must manifest in compassionate action towards His image-bearers. It challenges any spirituality that would claim to honor God while neglecting His image in humanity, especially in those on the margins.

Proverbs 14 31 Commentary

Proverbs 14:31 provides a fundamental truth about biblical ethics: our treatment of fellow human beings, especially the vulnerable, directly reflects our respect for God. It moves beyond simple philanthropy, revealing acts of social justice and compassion as deeply theological practices. To oppress the poor is to disdain the very act of divine creation, challenging God's authority and goodness. This shows a deep-seated contempt, treating God as irrelevant or unworthy of respect regarding the dignity of His creation. Conversely, active kindness to the needy is not just a moral good, but an act of worship—a profound demonstration of honor for God as the loving Father and benevolent Creator of all. This proverb calls believers to embody God's own character of justice and mercy in their dealings, making it a powerful call to integrate faith with practical compassion. Practically, this means advocating for fair treatment, supporting justice for the marginalized, and actively providing aid, understanding that such actions are service rendered directly to the Most High.