Proverbs 14:31 Meaning and Explanation
“He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Oppressing the poor insults their Maker; showing them mercy honors Him.
The Context of Proverbs 14:31
Proverbs links how we treat the poor to our honor or dishonor of God.
What Does Proverbs 14:31 Mean?
The poor person, though materially low, has a Maker—God has made him, values him, cares for him. To oppress him, to treat him with contempt or cruelty, is to reproach God Himself. It is to contradict God's estimation of the person's worth and to treat as worthless what God has made. This is an assault on the divine character.
To have mercy on the poor is to honor God. It is to align yourself with His concern for the vulnerable and His valuation of their worth. When you act kindly toward those who have little, you are honoring the God who made them. Mercy becomes a form of worship—a recognition that all people are God's handiwork.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 14:31
What does Proverbs 14:31 mean?
Oppressing the poor insults their Maker; showing them mercy honors Him.
What is the context of Proverbs 14:31?
Proverbs links how we treat the poor to our honor or dishonor of God.