Proverbs 17:5 Meaning and Explanation
“Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Mocking the poor or rejoicing in others' suffering insults God and brings judgment.
The Context of Proverbs 17:5
Biblical wisdom repeatedly emphasizes God's concern for the vulnerable.
What Does Proverbs 17:5 Mean?
The verse makes a startling claim: to deride the poor is to mock God Himself, since the poor are made in God's image. Mockery is not merely social cruelty but spiritual rebellion against the Creator. Likewise, taking joy in another's misfortune—whether poverty or disaster—shows a heart that has chosen to turn from God's character.
The warning is severe: such conduct will not go unpunished. God protects the vulnerable and holds accountable those who exploit or ridicule them. The punishment follows not from arbitrary decree but from the law of righteousness built into the moral order.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 17:5
What does Proverbs 17:5 mean?
Mocking the poor or rejoicing in others' suffering insults God and brings judgment.
What is the context of Proverbs 17:5?
Biblical wisdom repeatedly emphasizes God's concern for the vulnerable.