Proverbs 17:5
Proverbs 17:5 in Multiple Translations
He who mocks the poor insults their Maker; whoever gloats over calamity will not go unpunished.
Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.
Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker; And he that is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished.
Whoever makes sport of the poor puts shame on his Maker; and he who is glad because of trouble will not go free from punishment.
Anyone who oppresses the poor insults their Maker, and anyone who enjoys the suffering of others will be punished.
Hee that mocketh the poore, reprocheth him, that made him: and he that reioyceth at destruction, shall not be vnpunished.
Whoso is mocking at the poor Hath reproached his Maker, Whoso is rejoicing at calamity is not acquitted.
Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker. He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished.
He that mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker; and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.
He that despiseth the poor, reproacheth his Maker; and he that rejoiceth at another man’s ruin, shall not be unpunished.
Those who make fun of poor people insult God, the one who made the poor people, and those who are happy when someone else has troubles will certainly be punished [LIT] by God.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 17:5
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 17:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹעֵ֣ג
לָ֭/רָשׁ
חֵרֵ֣ף
עֹשֵׂ֑/הוּ
שָׂמֵ֥חַ
לְ֝/אֵ֗יד
לֹ֣א
יִנָּקֶֽה
לֹעֵ֣ג
lâʻag
H3932
to mock
V-Qal
לָ֭/רָשׁ
rûwsh
H7326
be poor
Prep | V-Qal
חֵרֵ֣ף
châraph
H2778
to taunt
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
עֹשֵׂ֑/הוּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal | Suff
שָׂמֵ֥חַ
sâmêach
H8056
glad
Adj
לְ֝/אֵ֗יד
ʼêyd
H343
calamity
Prep | N-ms
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִנָּקֶֽה
nâqâh
H5352
to clear
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 17:5
לֹעֵ֣ג
lâʻag
H3932
"to mock"
V-Qal
To mock or deride someone is the meaning of this word, which can also imply speaking in a way that sounds like a foreign language.
Definition: 1) to mock, deride, ridicule 1a) (Qal) to mock, deride, have in derision 1b) (Niphal) to stammer 1c) (Hiphil) to mock, deride
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: have in derision, laugh (to scorn), mock (on), stammering. See also: 2 Kings 19:21; Psalms 22:8; Psalms 2:4.
לָ֭/רָשׁ
rûwsh
H7326
"be poor"
Prep | V-Qal
To be poor or destitute, often used to describe someone who lacks material possessions or is in need, as seen in the story of the poor widow in Mark 12:42. This verb can also be used to describe someone who is spiritually poor or lacking.
Definition: 1) to be poor, be in want, lack 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be poor 1a2) to be in want or hunger 1a3) poor man (subst) 1b)(Hithpolel) one impoverishing himself (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: lack, needy, (make self) poor (man). See also: 1 Samuel 18:23; Proverbs 18:23; Psalms 34:11.
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.
שָׂמֵ֥חַ
sâmêach
H8056
"glad"
Adj
This word describes someone who is joyful or glad, like the Psalmist in Psalm 100:1, who invites all to rejoice and be glad in the Lord.
Definition: 1) joyful, merry, glad 1a) joyful, showing joy 1b) you who rejoice (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: (be) glad, joyful, (making) merry((-hearted), -ily), rejoice(-ing). See also: Deuteronomy 16:15; Esther 5:14; Psalms 35:26.
לְ֝/אֵ֗יד
ʼêyd
H343
"calamity"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means calamity or disaster, and can also mean oppression or misfortune. It's used in the Bible to describe difficult times, like in the book of Job.
Definition: 1) distress, burden, calamity 1a) burden (of the righteous) 1b) calamity (of nation) 1c) disaster (of wicked) 1d) day of calamity
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: calamity, destruction. See also: Deuteronomy 32:35; Proverbs 6:15; Psalms 18:19.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִנָּקֶֽה
nâqâh
H5352
"to clear"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
To be or make clean, either physically or morally, as seen in the book of Psalms where David asks God to cleanse him. This word is also used to describe being free from guilt or punishment. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to be empty, be clear, be pure, be free, be innocent, be desolate, be cut off 1a) (Qal) to be empty, be clean, be pure 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cleaned out, be purged out 1b2) to be clean, be free from guilt, be innocent 1b3) to be free, be exempt from punishment 1b4) to be free, be exempt from obligation 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to hold innocent, acquit 1c2) to leave unpunished
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: acquit [idiom] at all, [idiom] altogether, be blameless, cleanse, (be) clear(-ing), cut off, be desolate, be free, be (hold) guiltless, be (hold) innocent, [idiom] by no means, be quit, be (leave) unpunished, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 24:8; Psalms 19:14; Psalms 19:13.
Study Notes — Proverbs 17:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 17:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 17:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 17:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 17:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 17:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 17:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 17:5
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 17:5
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 17:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 17:5
- Sermons on Proverbs 17:5
Context — Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness
3A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but the LORD is the tester of hearts.
4A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar gives ear to a destructive tongue.
5He who mocks the poor insults their Maker; whoever gloats over calamity will not go unpunished.
6Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of a son is his father. 7Eloquent words are unfit for a fool; how much worse are lying lips to a ruler!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 14:31 | Whoever oppresses the poor taunts their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him. |
| 2 | Job 31:29 | If I have rejoiced in my enemy’s ruin, or exulted when evil befell him— |
| 3 | 1 John 3:17 | 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? |
| 4 | Obadiah 1:11–13 | On the day you stood aloof while strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gate and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were just like one of them. But you should not gloat in that day, your brother’s day of misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast proudly in the day of their distress. You should not enter the gate of My people in the day of their disaster, nor gloat over their affliction in the day of their disaster, nor loot their wealth in the day of their disaster. |
| 5 | Proverbs 16:5 | Everyone who is proud in heart is detestable to the LORD; be assured that he will not go unpunished. |
| 6 | Proverbs 14:21 | He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who shows kindness to the poor. |
| 7 | Romans 12:15 | Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. |
| 8 | Proverbs 24:17–18 | Do not gloat when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles, or the LORD will see and disapprove, and turn His wrath away from him. |
| 9 | Psalms 69:9 | because zeal for Your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult You have fallen on me. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 17:16 | But I have not run away from being Your shepherd; I have not desired the day of despair. You know that the utterance of my lips was spoken in Your presence. |
Proverbs 17:5 Summary
This verse teaches us that it's very important to treat everyone with kindness and respect, no matter how much money they have or what their situation is. When we mock or make fun of people who are poor, we are actually insulting God, who made them and loves them (Psalm 139:13-14). We should try to be like God, who is compassionate and caring towards all people, as seen in Matthew 25:31-46. By showing love and kindness to those in need, we can reflect God's character and bring glory to Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to mock the poor in Proverbs 17:5?
To mock the poor means to show contempt or scorn for those who are less fortunate, which is a serious offense against God, as seen in Proverbs 17:5, and is also warned against in James 2:6 and Psalm 41:1.
Why does gloating over calamity deserve punishment according to this verse?
Gloating over calamity is a sign of a hard heart and a lack of compassion, which is contrary to God's nature, as seen in Luke 6:36 and Matthew 5:7, and therefore will not go unpunished, as stated in Proverbs 17:5.
How does this verse relate to our responsibility to care for the poor?
This verse emphasizes the importance of treating the poor with dignity and respect, as they are made in God's image, and reminds us of our responsibility to care for them, as taught in Proverbs 19:17 and Deuteronomy 15:7-8.
What is the connection between mocking the poor and insulting their Maker?
Mocking the poor is an insult to their Maker because it shows disrespect for the God who created them and loves them, as seen in Psalm 139:13-14 and Genesis 1:27, and therefore is a serious offense against God Himself.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when I see someone struggling or in need, and what does my response reveal about my heart?
- In what ways can I show compassion and kindness to those who are less fortunate, and how can I make a positive impact in their lives?
- What are some ways that I may be unintentionally mocking or disrespecting the poor, and how can I change my behavior to be more like Christ?
- How can I cultivate a heart of empathy and understanding for those who are struggling, and what role can prayer and scripture play in this process?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 17:5
Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker,.... He that mocks the poor for his poverty, Upbraids him with his mean appearance, scoffs at the clothes he wears or food he eats, such an one reproaches
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 17:5
Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished. Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker (Proverbs 14:31); and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 17:5
Mocketh the poor; derideth or reproacheth him with or for his poverty. His Maker; God, who by his providence made him poor. See the same assertion . At calamities; at the miseries of other men.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 17:5
Proverbs 17:5 Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: [and] he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.Ver. 5. He that mocketh the poor, &c.] And he that is glad at calamities, shall not be unpunished.] He is sick with the devil’ s disease, επιχαιρεκακια, which Job was not tainted with; as the Edomites, Ammonites, Philistines, and other of Sion’ s enemies were. How bitterly did the Jews insult our Saviour, when they had nailed him to the cross! And in like sort they served many of the martyrs, worrying them when they were down, as dogs do other creatures; and shooting sharp arrows at them when they had set them up for marks of their malice and mischief. Herein they deal equally barbarous manner with the saints, as the Turks did with one John de Chabes, a Frenchman, at the taking of Tripolis in Barbary. They cut off his hands and nose, and then, when they had put him quick into the ground to the waist, they, for their pleasure, shot at him with their arrows, and afterwards cut his throat. Mr John Denly, martyr, being set in the fire with the burniug flame about him, sang a psalm; then cruel Doctor Story commanded one of the tormentors to hurl a faggot at him; whereupon, being hurt therewith upon the face, that he bled again, he left his singing, and clapped both his hands upon his face. ‘ Truly,’ said Doctor Story to him that hurled the faggot, ‘ thou hast marred a good old song.’ This Story being, after the coming in of Queen Elizabeth, questioned in parliament for many foul crimes, and particularly for persecuting and burning the martyrs, he denied not but that he was once at the burning of a herewig, for so he termed it, at Uxbridge, where he cast a faggot at his face as he was singing psalms, and set a wine bush of thorns under his feet a little to prick him, &c. This wretch was afterwards hanged, drawn, and quartered, and so this proverb was fulfilled of him, "He that is glad at calamities, shall not be unpunished." Turkish History, fol. 756. Acts and Mon., fol. 1530. Ibid., 1918.
Anno. 1571.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 17:5
(5) Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker.—See above on Proverbs 14:31. He that is glad at calamities.—Of enemies. (Comp. Proverbs 24:18; Job 31:29.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 17:5
Verse 5. He that is glad at calamity] He who is pleased to hear of the misfortune of another will, in the course of God's just government, have his own multiplied.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 17:5
5. his Maker] Comp. Proverbs 14:31. glad at calamities] “It belonged to the Greek mind in its fertility of combination, to express it (the temper here spoken of) by the single word ἐπιχαιρεκακία (Arist. Eth. Nicom. ii. 6), well rendered by the German ‘schadenfreude’.” Dean Plumptre, Speaker’s Comm. The connecting link of thought between the two clauses of the verse is that poverty and calamity proceed alike from God, so that to mock at the one, or be glad at the other, is to reproach Him and to incur His displeasure.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 17:5
He that is glad at calamities - A temper common at all times as the most hateful form of evil; the Greek ἐπιχαιρεκακία epichairekakia.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 17:5
5. Mocketh the poor — Derides, laughs at, treats them with disrespect and contempt, because of their low estate. See Proverbs 14:31. Reproacheth his Maker — God, who is Maker of the poor as well as of himself.
Sermons on Proverbs 17:5
| 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 |
|
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 |
|
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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(Job: An Epic in Brokenness) 3. the Message of Elihu by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Job and its various chapters. He highlights how Job's friends were amazed and stopped speaking, allowing Job to finally have a ch |