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Proverbs 14:31
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- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
31 He who oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker; And whosoever is merciful to the poor, it is an honour to him. Line first is repeated in Pro 17:5 somewhat varied, and the relation of the idea in 31b is as Pro 19:17, according to which וּמכבּדו is the predicate and חונן אביון the subject (Symmachus, Targ., Jerome, Venet., Luther), not the reverse (Syr.); חונן is thus not the 3 per. Po. (lxx), but the part. Kal (for which 21b has the part. Po. מחונן). The predicates חרף עשׂהוּ (vid., regarding the perf. Gesen. 126, 3) and ומכבדו follow one another after the scheme of the Chiasmus. עשׁק has Munach on the first syllable, on which the tone is thrown back, and on the second the העמדה sign (vid., Torath Emeth, p. 21), as e.g., פּוטר, Pro 17:14, and אהב, Pro 17:19. The showing of forbearance and kindness to the poor arising from a common relation to one Creator, and from respect towards a personality bearing the image of God, is a conception quite in the spirit of the Chokma, which, as in the Jahve religion it becomes the universal religion, so in the national law it becomes the human. Thus also Job 31:15, cf. Pro 3:9 of the Epistle of James, which in many respects has its roots in the Book of Proverbs. Mat 25:40 is a New Testament side-piece to 31b.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
reproacheth his Maker--who is the God of such, as well as of the rich (Pro 22:2; Job 31:15; and specially Sa1 2:8; Psa 113:7).
John Gill Bible Commentary
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 his wages; or not giving him that relief which he ought: such an one not only injures the poor man; but reproaches God that made him, not only a man, but a poor man; and who is the Maker of the rich man also, Pro 22:2; but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor; he that is desirous of honouring God, and glorifying him, will give of his substance to the poor; having compassion on him in his necessitous circumstances, will relieve him; and in so doing he honours God, whose image the poor man bears, and who has commanded him so to do. The words may be rendered, "he that hath mercy on the poor honoureth him"; that is, his Maker: so the Targum, "he that hath mercy on him that suffers injury honoureth him.''
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
God is here pleased to interest himself more than one would imagine in the treatment given to the poor. 1. He reckons himself affronted in the injuries that are done them. Whosoever he be that wrongs a poor man, taking advantage against him because he is poor and cannot help himself, let him know that he puts an affront upon his Maker. God made him, and gave him his being, the same that is the author of our being; we have all one Father, one Maker; see how Job considered this, Job 31:15. God made him poor, and appointed him his lot, so that, if we deal hardly with any because they are poor, we reflect upon God as dealing hardly with them in laying them low, that they might be trampled upon. 2. He reckons himself honoured in the kindnesses that are done them; he takes them as done to himself, and will show himself accordingly pleased with them. I was hungry, and you gave me meat. Those therefore that have any true honour for God will show it by compassion to the poor, whom he has undertaken in a special manner to protect and patronise.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
14:31 Wise people help the poor (cp. 11:24-26; 28:27; see Lev 19:9-10; Deut 15:11; 24:10-15; Isa 3:14-15; Jer 2:34; see also Jas 2:1-13). • insult their Maker: See also Prov 17:5.
Proverbs 14:31
The Wise Woman
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.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
What Is Prophetic? - Part 1
By Art Katz3.7K1:30:19PropheticEXO 22:22PRO 14:31ISA 1:17AMO 8:4MIC 6:8LUK 12:48JAS 1:27In 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 during his time in the wilderness and leading the people. The speaker also mentions a personal experience where he was drained but was able to speak after a worshipful man sang. He highlights the need for patience and waiting for the full disclosure of God's message before passing judgment. The sermon also touches on the destructive nature of worldly ambitions and the consequences of playing games with people's lives.
Ill-Gotten Gain - Part 2
By Alistair Begg1.1K36:07FalsehoodDEU 24:14PRO 14:31In 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 workers. The preacher also references a song called "Mr. Businessman" that criticizes those who prioritize material wealth over more important things. He then goes on to talk about the Russian oligarchs and how their immense wealth has been acquired at the expense of the impoverished. The sermon concludes with a reminder that God, as the ultimate judge, will ultimately bring justice to all.
The Christian Manner of Expressing Gratitude.
By Edward Payson0PRO 14:31MAT 25:31JHN 3:16ROM 3:232TI 1:16Edward Payson preaches about the gratitude expressed by St. Paul towards his benefactor, Onesiphorus, highlighting the importance of showing gratitude and seeking mercy from the Lord. Payson emphasizes that Christianity does not extinguish noble feelings like patriotism, friendship, and gratitude, but rather modifies them with its own spirit. He explains that all individuals, including the most generous benefactors, will need mercy from the Lord on the judgment day, emphasizing the necessity of seeking mercy through belief in Jesus Christ. Payson urges the listeners to reflect on their treatment of Jesus Christ compared to earthly benefactors, emphasizing the need for repentance and seeking mercy now to avoid condemnation on the judgment day.
The Care of the Poor
By C.H. Spurgeon0Compassion for the PoorGod's Promise of StrengthPSA 41:3PRO 14:31PRO 19:17ISA 58:10MAT 5:7MAT 25:40LUK 6:38GAL 6:2JAS 1:271JN 3:17C.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, God becomes a nurturing presence, offering comfort and restoration to those who show compassion to the needy. Spurgeon contrasts the loving nature of the God of Israel with the indifferent deities of other cultures, underscoring the unique relationship believers have with God. He encourages listeners to recognize the blessings they forfeit by neglecting the poor and urges them to become active friends and helpers to those in need.
The Social Problem
By W.H. Griffith Thomas0PRO 14:31PRO 31:8ISA 1:17MIC 6:8MAT 5:9LUK 10:27GAL 6:21TI 5:8JAS 1:27W.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 social program in the Gospel. He discusses the importance of individual evangelization through the Gospel and the distinction between personal regeneration and social regeneration. Thomas stresses the role of the Church in uplifting the material life of people while cautioning against identifying Christianity with specific social or economic reform schemes. He encourages clergy to join Christian Social Union, engage in temperance work, and support the Peace Movement for social reform.
I Walked in a Daze
By K.P. Yohannan0Wealth and ResponsibilityGlobal Poverty AwarenessPRO 14:31ISA 58:10MAT 6:19MAT 25:40LUK 12:482CO 9:7GAL 6:2PHP 4:19JAS 1:171JN 3:17K.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 evangelists in poorer regions. He emphasizes how Americans often take their abundance for granted, while many in the Two-Thirds World live with minimal possessions and struggle for basic needs. Through vivid comparisons, he challenges listeners to recognize the disparity in lifestyles and to appreciate the blessings they have, urging a deeper awareness of global poverty and a call to action.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
31 He who oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker; And whosoever is merciful to the poor, it is an honour to him. Line first is repeated in Pro 17:5 somewhat varied, and the relation of the idea in 31b is as Pro 19:17, according to which וּמכבּדו is the predicate and חונן אביון the subject (Symmachus, Targ., Jerome, Venet., Luther), not the reverse (Syr.); חונן is thus not the 3 per. Po. (lxx), but the part. Kal (for which 21b has the part. Po. מחונן). The predicates חרף עשׂהוּ (vid., regarding the perf. Gesen. 126, 3) and ומכבדו follow one another after the scheme of the Chiasmus. עשׁק has Munach on the first syllable, on which the tone is thrown back, and on the second the העמדה sign (vid., Torath Emeth, p. 21), as e.g., פּוטר, Pro 17:14, and אהב, Pro 17:19. The showing of forbearance and kindness to the poor arising from a common relation to one Creator, and from respect towards a personality bearing the image of God, is a conception quite in the spirit of the Chokma, which, as in the Jahve religion it becomes the universal religion, so in the national law it becomes the human. Thus also Job 31:15, cf. Pro 3:9 of the Epistle of James, which in many respects has its roots in the Book of Proverbs. Mat 25:40 is a New Testament side-piece to 31b.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
reproacheth his Maker--who is the God of such, as well as of the rich (Pro 22:2; Job 31:15; and specially Sa1 2:8; Psa 113:7).
John Gill Bible Commentary
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 his wages; or not giving him that relief which he ought: such an one not only injures the poor man; but reproaches God that made him, not only a man, but a poor man; and who is the Maker of the rich man also, Pro 22:2; but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor; he that is desirous of honouring God, and glorifying him, will give of his substance to the poor; having compassion on him in his necessitous circumstances, will relieve him; and in so doing he honours God, whose image the poor man bears, and who has commanded him so to do. The words may be rendered, "he that hath mercy on the poor honoureth him"; that is, his Maker: so the Targum, "he that hath mercy on him that suffers injury honoureth him.''
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
God is here pleased to interest himself more than one would imagine in the treatment given to the poor. 1. He reckons himself affronted in the injuries that are done them. Whosoever he be that wrongs a poor man, taking advantage against him because he is poor and cannot help himself, let him know that he puts an affront upon his Maker. God made him, and gave him his being, the same that is the author of our being; we have all one Father, one Maker; see how Job considered this, Job 31:15. God made him poor, and appointed him his lot, so that, if we deal hardly with any because they are poor, we reflect upon God as dealing hardly with them in laying them low, that they might be trampled upon. 2. He reckons himself honoured in the kindnesses that are done them; he takes them as done to himself, and will show himself accordingly pleased with them. I was hungry, and you gave me meat. Those therefore that have any true honour for God will show it by compassion to the poor, whom he has undertaken in a special manner to protect and patronise.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
14:31 Wise people help the poor (cp. 11:24-26; 28:27; see Lev 19:9-10; Deut 15:11; 24:10-15; Isa 3:14-15; Jer 2:34; see also Jas 2:1-13). • insult their Maker: See also Prov 17:5.