Proverbs 21:13 Meaning and Explanation
“Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Ignoring the poor's cry brings the same treatment back: your own cry for help will be ignored.
The Context of Proverbs 21:13
Ignoring the poor's cries invites the same treatment upon yourself.
What Does Proverbs 21:13 Mean?
The person who 'stoppeth his ears'—who deliberately closes themselves to the suffering of the poor—does so despite hearing the cry. It is a willful act of indifference or hardness. They choose not to respond to need standing before them.
The poetic justice is stark: they too shall cry—whether from later poverty, desperation, or loneliness—but none will hear. By establishing the precedent of unresponsiveness, they forfeit the right to be heard. The universe mirrors back what we give, and indifference receives indifference.
Proverbs 21:13 in the Original Language
atam (אָטַם), 'stoppeth' — to close up, to shut against sound; willful refusal to hear.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 21:13
What does Proverbs 21:13 mean?
Ignoring the poor's cry brings the same treatment back: your own cry for help will be ignored.
What is the context of Proverbs 21:13?
Ignoring the poor's cries invites the same treatment upon yourself.