Proverbs 14:31
Proverbs 14:31 in Multiple Translations
Whoever oppresses the poor taunts their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him.
He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.
He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker; But he that hath mercy on the needy honoreth him.
He who is hard on the poor puts shame on his Maker; but he who has mercy on those who are in need gives him honour.
Anyone who oppresses the poor insults their Maker, but anyone who is kind to the needy honors him.
He that oppresseth the poore, reprooueth him that made him: but hee honoureth him, that hath mercie on the poore.
An oppressor of the poor reproacheth his Maker, And whoso is honouring Him Is favouring the needy.
He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for his Maker, but he who is kind to the needy honors him.
He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoreth him hath mercy on the poor.
He that oppresseth the poor, upbraideth his Maker: but he that hath pity on the poor, honoureth him.
Those who oppress poor people are insulting God, the one who made those poor people, but acting kindly toward them is respecting God.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 14:31
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 14:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עֹ֣שֵֽׁק
דָּ֭ל
חֵרֵ֣ף
עֹשֵׂ֑/הוּ
וּ֝/מְכַבְּד֗/וֹ
חֹנֵ֥ן
אֶבְיֽוֹן
עֹ֣שֵֽׁק
ʻâshaq
H6231
to oppress
V-Qal
דָּ֭ל
dal
H1800
poor
Adj
חֵרֵ֣ף
châraph
H2778
to taunt
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
עֹשֵׂ֑/הוּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal | Suff
וּ֝/מְכַבְּד֗/וֹ
kâbad
H3513
to honor
Conj | V-Piel | Suff
חֹנֵ֥ן
chânan
H2603
be gracious
V-Qal
אֶבְיֽוֹן
ʼebyôwn
H34
needy
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 14:31
עֹ֣שֵֽׁק
ʻâshaq
H6231
"to oppress"
V-Qal
To oppress means to press upon or defraud someone, often violently. It is used to describe wrongdoing in the Bible, such as in the book of Exodus.
Definition: 1) to press upon, oppress, violate, defraud, do violence, get deceitfully, wrong, extort 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to oppress, wrong, extort 1a2) to oppress 1b) (Pual) to be exploited, be crushed
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: get deceitfully, deceive, defraud, drink up, (use) oppress(-ion), -or), do violence (wrong). See also: Leviticus 5:21; Proverbs 14:31; Psalms 72:4.
דָּ֭ל
dal
H1800
"poor"
Adj
The Hebrew word for someone who is poor or weak, often describing those in need of help or assistance. In the book of Proverbs, it warns against oppressing the poor, and in Psalm 35:10, it describes the needy and the poor. The word is also used in Isaiah 41:17.
Definition: low, poor, weak, thin, one who is low
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: lean, needy, poor (man), weaker. See also: Exodus 23:3; Proverbs 19:17; Psalms 41:2.
חֵרֵ֣ף
châraph
H2778
"to taunt"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word 'châraph' means to acquire or expose something, and can also mean to betroth or defame someone. It is translated as 'betroth', 'blaspheme', or 'reproach' in the KJV Bible.
Definition: 1) to reproach, taunt, blaspheme, defy, jeopardise, rail, upbraid 1a) (Qal) to reproach 1b) (Piel) to reproach, defy, taunt
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: betroth, blaspheme, defy, jeopard, rail, reproach, upbraid. See also: Leviticus 19:20; Psalms 55:13; Psalms 42:11.
עֹשֵׂ֑/הוּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal | Suff
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
וּ֝/מְכַבְּד֗/וֹ
kâbad
H3513
"to honor"
Conj | V-Piel | Suff
This word can mean to honor or make something weighty, like when God is glorified in Psalm 138, or to be heavy with burdens, as the Israelites were in Exodus 18.
Definition: : honour/glory 1) to be heavy, be weighty, be grievous, be hard, be rich, be honourable, be glorious, be burdensome, be honoured 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be heavy 1a2) to be heavy, be insensible, be dull 1a3) to be honoured 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made heavy, be honoured, enjoy honour, be made abundant 1b2) to get oneself glory or honour, gain glory 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make heavy, make dull, make insensible 1c2) to make honourable, honour, glorify 1d) (Pual) to be made honourable, be honoured 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make heavy 1e2) to make heavy, make dull, make unresponsive 1e3) to cause to be honoured 1f) (Hithpael) 1f1) to make oneself heavy, make oneself dense, make oneself numerous 1f2) to honour oneself
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: abounding with, more grievously afflict, boast, be chargeable, [idiom] be dim, glorify, be (make) glorious (things), glory, (very) great, be grievous, harden, be (make) heavy, be heavier, lay heavily, (bring to, come to, do, get, be had in) honour (self), (be) honourable (man), lade, [idiom] more be laid, make self many, nobles, prevail, promote (to honour), be rich, be (go) sore, stop. See also: Genesis 13:2; Job 6:3; Psalms 15:4.
חֹנֵ֥ן
chânan
H2603
"be gracious"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to show kindness or favor, often by bending or stooping to help someone in need, as seen in the actions of God towards his people.
Definition: 1) to be gracious, show favour, pity 1a) (Qal) to show favour, be gracious 1b) (Niphal) to be pitied 1c) (Piel) to make gracious, make favourable, be gracious 1d) (Poel) to direct favour to, have mercy on 1e) (Hophal) to be shown favour, be shown consideration 1f) (Hithpael) to seek favour, implore favour
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: beseech, [idiom] fair, (be, find, shew) favour(-able), be (deal, give, grant (gracious(-ly), intreat, (be) merciful, have (shew) mercy (on, upon), have pity upon, pray, make supplication, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 33:5; Psalms 37:21; Psalms 4:2.
אֶבְיֽוֹן
ʼebyôwn
H34
"needy"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes someone who is needy or poor, often oppressed and in need of help from God. It appears in the Bible to describe those who are vulnerable and in need of deliverance. In the KJV, it is translated as beggar, needy, or poor man.
Definition: 1) in want, needy, chiefly poor, needy person 2) subject to oppression and abuse 3) needing help, deliverance from trouble, especially as delivered by God 4) general reference to lowest class
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: beggar, needy, poor (man). See also: Exodus 23:6; Psalms 107:41; Psalms 9:19.
Study Notes — Proverbs 14:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 14:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 14:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 14:31
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 14:31
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 14:31
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 14:31
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 14:31
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 14:31
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 14:31
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 14:31
- Sermons on Proverbs 14:31
Context — The Wise Woman
29A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly.
30A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
31Whoever oppresses the poor taunts their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him.
32The wicked man is thrown down by his own sin, but the righteous man has a refuge even in death. 33Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning; even among fools she is known.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 22:2 | The rich and the poor have this in common: The LORD is Maker of them all. |
| 2 | Proverbs 17:5 | He who mocks the poor insults their Maker; whoever gloats over calamity will not go unpunished. |
| 3 | Proverbs 22:16 | Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself or giving gifts to the rich will surely lead to poverty. |
| 4 | Proverbs 19:17 | Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender. |
| 5 | 1 John 4:21 | And we have this commandment from Him: Whoever loves God must love his brother as well. |
| 6 | Ecclesiastes 5:8 | If you see the oppression of the poor and the denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be astonished at the matter; for one official is watched by a superior, and others higher still are over them. |
| 7 | Psalms 12:5 | “For the cause of the oppressed and for the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will bring safety to him who yearns.” |
| 8 | 1 John 3:17–21 | If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth. And by this we will know that we belong to the truth, and will assure our hearts in His presence: Even if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts, and He knows all things. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God, |
| 9 | 2 Corinthians 8:7–9 | But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in the love we inspired in you —see that you also excel in this grace of giving. I am not making a demand, but I am testing the sincerity of your love in comparison to the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. |
| 10 | Job 31:13–16 | If I have rejected the cause of my manservant or maidservant when they made a complaint against me, what will I do when God rises to judge? How will I answer when called to account? Did not He who made me in the womb also make them? Did not the same One form us in the womb? If I have denied the desires of the poor or allowed the widow’s eyes to fail, |
Proverbs 14:31 Summary
This verse teaches us that the way we treat the poor and needy is very important to God, as seen in Proverbs 14:31. When we are kind and compassionate towards them, it shows that we love and respect God, as stated in Matthew 25:40. On the other hand, when we mistreat or take advantage of the poor, it's like we're showing contempt for God Himself, as seen in Isaiah 58:6 and Jeremiah 22:13. By caring for the needy, we can demonstrate God's love and character to those around us, and bring honor to Him, as instructed in Micah 6:8 and Galatians 2:10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to oppress the poor in Proverbs 14:31?
To oppress the poor means to take advantage of or mistreat those who are less fortunate, which is condemned by God as seen in Isaiah 58:6 and Jeremiah 22:13, and instead we are called to love and care for them as instructed in Proverbs 19:17 and Matthew 25:40.
How can being kind to the needy honor God?
Being kind to the needy demonstrates our love and compassion for them, reflecting God's character as seen in Psalms 146:7-9, and it honors Him because it shows that we value and care for those who are important to Him, as stated in Proverbs 14:31 and Matthew 25:40.
What is the significance of taunting one's Maker in this verse?
Taunting one's Maker means to defy or show contempt for God, which is a serious offense as seen in Isaiah 45:9-10, and in the context of Proverbs 14:31, it refers to the act of oppressing the poor, which is a direct challenge to God's authority and love for the vulnerable, as stated in Exodus 22:22-24 and Deuteronomy 10:18-19.
How does this verse relate to our daily lives?
This verse reminds us that our actions towards the poor and needy have spiritual consequences, and as followers of God, we are called to demonstrate His love and compassion to those around us, as instructed in Micah 6:8 and Galatians 2:10, and to care for the vulnerable as seen in James 1:27.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show kindness to the needy in my community, and how can I demonstrate God's love to them?
- How can I ensure that my actions and attitudes towards the poor and vulnerable are honoring to God, and what changes do I need to make in my life to reflect His love and compassion?
- What does it mean to 'honor' God through my actions, and how can I cultivate a heart of kindness and compassion towards those in need, as seen in Proverbs 14:31 and Matthew 25:40?
- How can I balance my own needs and responsibilities with the call to care for the poor and needy, and what does the Bible say about our responsibility to care for the vulnerable, as stated in Proverbs 19:17 and Galatians 2:10?
Gill's Exposition on 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 14:31
He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 14:31
He that oppresseth the poor; that useth him hardly, as the Syriac renders it; that withholdeth from him that which is his due, either by the rules of strict justice, or by the great law of charity, of which see , and so it is opposed to having mercy in the next clause. Reproacheth his Maker; whose image the poor man bears, which might challenge respect, ; by whose counsel and providence he is made poor, , and who hath declared himself to be their protector and avenger. He that honoureth him, his image, and works, and laws, hath mercy on the poor; doth not only forbear oppressing or injuring of him, but affords him his pity and help.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 14:31
Proverbs 14:31 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.Ver. 31. He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker.] Since it is he that "maketh poor, and that maketh rich, and thereby killeth and maketh alive." Rich men only seem to be alive. Hence David, sending his servants to that Pamphagus, that rich curmudgeon, Nabal, speaketh on this sort, "Thus shall ye say to him that liveth" - there is no more in the original - as if rich men only were alive. Poor people are "free among the dead" - free of that company, as David was, when they are crushed and oppressed, especially by rich cormorants and cannibals. A poor man’ s livelihood is his life, for a poor man in his house is like a snail in his shell - crush that, and you kill him. This reflects very much upon God, the poor man’ s king, as James IV of Scotland was called, who will not suffer it to pass unpunished, "for he is gracious." As unskilful hunters may shoot at a beast, but kill a man, so do these oppressors hit God, the poor man’ s maker. But he honoureth him that hath mercy on the poor.] Quibus verbis nihil gravius, nihil efficaciu dici potuit. God takes it for an honour; how should this prevail with us! "Honour the Lord with thy substance," and take it for a singular honour that he will vouchsafe to be thus honoured by thee, as David did. How exceedingly shall such be honoured in that great Panegyris at the last day, when the Judge shall say, "Come, ye blessed of my Father: I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat," &c. πανηγυρις, Hebrews 12:23.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 14:31
(31) Reproacheth his Maker.—For having placed him in such a lowly condition. The equality of all men, as being all of them the work of God, is taught by Genesis 1:27; Job 31:15; Proverbs 22:2. The duty of aiding the poor is in Matthew 25:40 based on the still higher ground of the union of Christ with His people, which makes Him regard good done to them as done to Himself. But he that honoureth him . . .—This would be better rendered, but he that hath mercy on the poor honoureth Him.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 14:31
Verse 31. He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker] Because the poor, or comparatively poor, are, in the order of God, a part of the inhabitants of the earth; and every man who loves God will show mercy to the poor, for with this God is peculiarly delighted. The poor have we ever with us, for the excitement and exercise of those benevolent, compassionate, and merciful feelings, without which men had been but little better than brutes.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 14:31
31. he that honoureth &c.] Rather, he that hath mercy on the needy honoureth him, R.V. Comp. Proverbs 17:5; Matthew 25:40.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 14:31
Honoureth him - i. e., God, who is the Maker of poor and rich alike.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 14:31
31. Oppresseth… reproacheth — God is the maker, patron, and friend of the poor, and whose “oppresseth” such, because of his poverty, “reproacheth,” or injuriously reflects on, God, who assigned him his lot.
Sermons on Proverbs 14:31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
What Is Prophetic? - Part 1 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being prepared to preach the word of God. He reflects on the example of Moses and the depth of God's dealing with him durin |
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Ill-Gotten Gain - Part 2 by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the theme of injustice and greed in society. He uses vivid imagery to describe the consequences of employers withholding wages from their wor |
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The Care of the Poor by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the divine promise of strength and support from God for those who care for the poor, as illustrated in Psalms 41:3. He highlights that in times of sickness |
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The Christian Manner of Expressing Gratitude. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches about the gratitude expressed by St. Paul towards his benefactor, Onesiphorus, highlighting the importance of showing gratitude and seeking mercy from the Lo |
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I Walked in a Daze by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan reflects on his experiences in the United States, contrasting the affluence and material wealth he observed with the stark realities faced by national missionary evan |
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The Social Problem by W.H. Griffith Thomas | W.H. Griffith Thomas emphasizes the clergyman's awareness of social ills and the moral responsibility to address them, highlighting the need for social reform and the implicit soci |
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Don't Preach About Hell! (Compilation) by Compilations | The video is a sermon that emphasizes the importance of recognizing oneself as a child of God. The speaker repeats the phrase "You are my child" multiple times to drive this point |