Proverbs 17 5

Proverbs 17:5 kjv

Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.

Proverbs 17:5 nkjv

He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker; He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.

Proverbs 17:5 niv

Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.

Proverbs 17:5 esv

Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.

Proverbs 17:5 nlt

Those who mock the poor insult their Maker;
those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished.

Proverbs 17 verses

Proverbs 17 5 Meaning

Proverbs 17:5 conveys a dual warning concerning attitudes towards the vulnerable and those experiencing misfortune. First, it asserts that anyone who scoffs at or treats the poor with contempt also demonstrates contempt for God, their common Creator. This highlights God's unique ownership and care for all humanity, regardless of their social or economic standing. Second, the verse warns that rejoicing over another's disaster or downfall will inevitably lead to divine punishment. This emphasizes the biblical imperative for empathy, humility, and the rejection of a malevolent or triumphant spirit in the face of others' suffering, as God Himself is the ultimate judge and arbiter of justice.

Proverbs 17 5 Context

Proverbs chapter 17 is a collection of various short, pithy wisdom sayings, typical of the book's overall structure. It contains diverse observations on human character, relationships, speech, wisdom, folly, and justice. The verses often present contrasting behaviors or their consequences, emphasizing righteous living over wickedness. Proverbs 17:5 fits into this pattern by contrasting an ungodly attitude towards the poor and suffering with a wise recognition of God's sovereignty and coming judgment. The historical and cultural context for the original audience was ancient Israel, a society that, while having class distinctions, was divinely mandated through Mosaic Law to uphold justice, care for the vulnerable (like the poor, widows, and orphans), and reject partiality. The Law viewed the mistreatment of the poor not just as a social injustice but as an affront to God, who established covenant relationships with His people and cared deeply for the needy among them.

Proverbs 17 5 Word analysis

• Whoever mocks (לָעֵג, laʿeg): This Hebrew term signifies more than simple amusement; it conveys scorn, derision, ridiculing, or belittling with contempt. It implies an attitude of superiority and open disdain. The act of mocking indicates a deliberate disrespect for another's dignity and position.
• the poor (רָשׁ, rash): Refers to one who is destitute, needy, impoverished, or economically weak. In the biblical context, the "poor" often represents the vulnerable, marginalized, and dependent members of society, whom God frequently championed.
• shows contempt for (חֵרֵף, ḥeref): To reproach, insult, defy, or revile. This is a strong word denoting active dishonor and shaming. It indicates a deliberate act of despising or affronting.
• his Maker (עֹשֵׂהוּ, ʿośehu from עָשָׂה, ʿasah): Literally, "the one who made him." This foundational biblical truth emphasizes that all human beings, rich or poor, are equally creatures of God. To disdain God's creation, particularly those whom He cares for, is to disrespect the Creator Himself. This word underscores divine ownership and the imago Dei (image of God) in every individual.
• whoever is glad at (שָׂמֵחַ בְּ, śameaḥ be): To rejoice in, delight in, or find joy over something. This refers to deriving pleasure or satisfaction from another's misfortune.
• calamity (אֵיד, ʾêḏ): This term denotes disaster, ruin, misfortune, or sudden affliction. It refers to a state of suffering, hardship, or destruction that has befallen someone.
• will not go unpunished (לֹא יִנָּקֶה, lō' yinnāqeh): This literally means "will not be declared innocent" or "will not be cleansed." The phrase uses the negative particle "lō'" (not) with a passive form of "nāqah" (to be clean, free, innocent). It is a strong affirmation of certain divine retribution; such a person will surely be held guilty and suffer consequences for their malicious joy. This ensures that God's justice will prevail.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for his Maker": This segment highlights the profound theological implication of how one treats the economically disadvantaged. The mockery and contempt are not merely human social transgressions but directly registered as an insult against God. This connects one's horizontal relationships with their vertical relationship with God, establishing a core principle of divine justice. It suggests that since God created all equally, despising any human, particularly the vulnerable, is despising God's own creative work and sovereignty.
• "whoever is glad at calamity will not go unpunished": This segment shifts from active contempt to a passive, internal attitude—finding joy in another's misfortune (Schadenfreude). The emphasis here is on the malevolent state of the heart that takes pleasure in the suffering of others. This is a profound ethical statement against uncharitable and unmerciful attitudes. The consequence, "will not go unpunished," signifies the certainty of divine retribution for such a hardened and unsympathetic spirit, reinforcing that God champions righteousness and compassion.

Proverbs 17 5 Bonus section

• The dual warnings in Proverbs 17:5 emphasize both sins of commission (mocking) and sins of disposition (rejoicing in calamity), showing God's judgment extends to both outward acts and inward attitudes.
• This verse underpins the theological concept of "corporate solidarity" in humanity, recognizing that all are interconnected under God their Maker, hence mistreating one is ultimately mistreating all and God Himself.
• It serves as a strong polemic against any cultural or personal attitudes that would celebrate human hierarchies based on wealth or that would indulge in schadenfreude as acceptable forms of human interaction.
• The warning "will not go unpunished" implies that divine retribution is certain, highlighting God's role as the ultimate vindicator of justice for the oppressed and His intolerance for malicious joy.

Proverbs 17 5 Commentary

Proverbs 17:5 stands as a profound summary of God's character and His expectations for humanity, rooted in two intertwined ethical principles. Firstly, the verse establishes an intrinsic link between one's treatment of the poor and their reverence for the Creator. Mocking or despising the poor is portrayed not as a mere social impropriety, but as a direct affront to God Himself. This is because every individual, regardless of their station or struggle, bears the imago Dei and is the direct work of God's hands. To treat them with contempt is to diminish God's worth and defy His sovereign claim over all life. It implies a questioning of God's design or providence, for which He holds the offender accountable.

Secondly, the proverb condemns rejoicing at the misfortune or calamity of another. This highlights that godly character requires empathy and compassion, even towards one's adversaries or those who fall. Gloating over someone else's pain—whether due to a moral failing or external disaster—reveals a heart devoid of mercy, charity, and true wisdom. Such malicious glee is deeply contrary to God's heart, which weeps with those who weep and calls His people to humility, recognizing that circumstances can swiftly change. The phrase "will not go unpunished" serves as a definitive statement of divine justice; God will personally intervene to bring consequences upon those who exhibit such ungodly cruelty and lack of compassion, upholding His righteous standards for human interaction. The verse therefore is a call to recognize God's universal sovereignty, to honor His image in every person, and to cultivate a compassionate spirit that refrains from judgmentalism and finds no pleasure in the suffering of others.