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Proverbs 21:13
Verse
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Summary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
13 He that stoppeth his ear at the cry of the poor he also calls and is not heard. Only the merciful find mercy, Mat 5:7; the unmerciful rich man, who has no ear for the cry of the דל, i.e., of him who is without support and means of subsistence, thus of one who is needing support, will also remain unheard when he himself, in the time of need, calls upon God for help. Cf. the parable of the unmerciful servant of the merciful king, Mat 18:23. מן in מזּעקת, as Isa 23:15; Gen 4:13; Gen 27:1; no preposition of our [German] language [nor English] expresses, as Fleischer here remarks, such a fulness of meaning as this מן does, to which, after a verb of shutting up such as אטם (cf. Pro 17:28), the Arab. 'n would correspond, e.g., â'my 'n âltryḳ: blind, so that he does not see the way.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The principles of retribution, often taught (compare Psa 18:26; Mat 7:1-12).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor,.... For want of bread; or, "of the weak", as the Septuagint and other versions; for want of help and protection, when in the greatest distress; and, with the most pressing importunity, entreats his assistance, and yet refuses to hear him out: or, if he does, will not relieve him, which is all one as if he heard him not, or denied him a hearing; he also shall cry himself; the Targum and Syriac version add, "unto God". The sense is, that even such an one shall be brought into the like distressed circumstances, when he shall make application to God, and to his fellow creatures, for relief and assistance: but shall not be heard; a deaf ear will be turned to him by both: the same measure he has measured shall be measured to him again; no mercy shall be shown to an unmerciful man, either by God or man; see Jam 2:13.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here we have the description and doom of an uncharitable man. 1. His description: He stops his ears at the cry of the poor, at the cry of their wants and miseries (he resolves to take no cognizance of them), at the cry of their requests and supplications - he resolves he will not so much as give them the hearing, turns them away from his door, and forbids them to come near him, or, if he cannot avoid hearing them, he will not need them, nor be moved by their complaints, no be prevailed with by their importunities; he shuts up the bowels of his compassion, and that is equivalent to the stopping of his ears, Act 7:57. 2. His doom. He shall himself be reduced to straits, which will make him cry, and then he shall not be heard. Men will not hear him, but reward him as he has rewarded others. God will not hear him; for he that showed no mercy shall have judgment without mercy (Jam 2:13), and he that on earth denied a crumb of bread in hell was denied a drop of water. God will be deaf to the prayers of those who are deaf to the cries of the poor, which, if they be not heard by us, will be heard against us, Exo 22:23.
Proverbs 21:13
The King’s Heart
12The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin. 13Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Love Who You See
By Jackie Pullinger2.9K1:16:18LoveDEU 14:28PRO 21:13JER 22:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of loving others and treating them with justice and equality. They share a personal experience of witnessing the vast difference in income and living conditions between themselves and a worker in Hong Kong. The speaker highlights the need to use what one has for the benefit of others, quoting Psalm 82:3 which calls for defending the weak and oppressed. They also address the issue of modern-day slavery and child exploitation, urging listeners to be aware of the prevalence of these crimes and take action to combat them.
1992 Missions Conference Talk - Part 2
By Richard Wurmbrand2.4K09:52PSA 34:15PSA 46:10PRO 12:15PRO 18:13PRO 19:20PRO 21:13ECC 5:2MAT 5:3JAS 1:19JAS 1:22This sermon emphasizes the importance of giving and listening, drawing from the story of St. Louis and the significance of prayer amidst distractions. It highlights the value of listening to others' tragedies and joys before speaking, reflecting on the experience of prisoners who learned to listen during their confinement. The message encourages a posture of humility and attentiveness, prioritizing listening to God and others before speaking or preaching.
Proverbs 21- Decisions Determine Destiny
By Shane Idleman8471:05:34PRO 21:13This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and highlights the consequences of wandering from the truth. It encourages repentance, obedience, and giving with a cheerful heart as key aspects of a faithful Christian life.
Why Our Prayers Aren't Answered
By Al Whittinghill62855:42PrayerPRO 14:14PRO 21:13MAT 6:33LUK 12:22CO 12:8HEB 10:35In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not ignoring the cry of the poor, as it can have consequences for oneself. The preacher suggests that God may be trying to communicate through someone in need, and by helping them, one becomes a channel of God's provision. The preacher acknowledges that Jesus did not meet every need, but highlights the importance of not walking by the needs around us. The sermon also references the story of Daniel, who fasted and prayed for three weeks before receiving a vision from God. The preacher emphasizes the need for repentance and standing upright before God. Additionally, the sermon mentions the story of Joshua and the defeat at AI, where God reveals that Israel has sinned and transgressed the covenant. The preacher emphasizes the importance of being on God's side rather than assuming God is on our side.
Hindrances to Prayer
By Chad Thompson5171:20:32PrayerPRO 21:13LUK 6:37PHP 2:41JN 1:8In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Luke 6:37-38, which teaches about not judging or condemning others, and the importance of forgiveness. The preacher emphasizes that if we are stingy with others, we cannot expect God to be generous with us in prayer. He warns against spiritual laziness and urges Christians to stay vigilant and not be weighed down by worldly cares. The preacher also highlights the need for prayer and references the disciples' failure to stay awake and pray with Jesus before his betrayal.
Luke 16:19-24. the Rich Man's Petition for His Own Relief.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0PRO 21:13MAT 25:31LUK 16:19JAS 2:51JN 3:17Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, where the curtain is lifted to reveal the eternal world by Jesus, who sees all sinking into hell or soaring to heaven. The rich man's indifference to Lazarus's suffering leads to his torment in hell, while Lazarus finds comfort in the presence of God. The parable serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty in choosing His elect and the consequences of neglecting those in need. It highlights the importance of faith, humility, and compassion in this life to avoid eternal separation from God.
Disguised Blessings
By E.A. Adeboye0PSA 41:1PRO 19:17PRO 21:13MAT 25:31LUK 6:38JAS 2:15E.A. Adeboye emphasizes the importance of helping the poor and needy, revealing that by blessing them, we are actually paving a path to greatness and abundance. He highlights how God promises blessings to those who assist the less fortunate, including deliverance in times of trouble, protection, and support in times of need. Adeboye urges listeners to invest in both the physically and spiritually poor around them to access these blessings and to ask God for guidance in recognizing opportunities to help others.
Selfish Conversation
By Mary Wilder Tileston0PRO 18:13PRO 21:13JER 7:27MAT 11:15JAS 1:19Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of not only speaking kind words but also listening with grace and attention. She highlights the different ways people may struggle with truly listening, such as being distracted, interrupting, or making conversations about themselves. Tileston encourages bringing these challenges under the sweet influences of religion to cultivate a heart of kindness and genuine listening.
Some Reasons for Perpetual Financial Difficulties
By Zac Poonen0Financial StewardshipGenerosityDEU 14:23PRO 21:13PRO 21:26LUK 6:38LUK 12:21LUK 14:33ACT 20:351CO 10:312CO 9:6Zac Poonen addresses the reasons behind perpetual financial difficulties, emphasizing that selfishness in holding onto God's blessings leads to spiritual death. He contrasts the clenched fist of Adam's race with the open palm of Jesus, urging believers to recognize that all they have belongs to God and to give cheerfully, as the quality of giving is paramount under the new covenant. Poonen highlights the importance of being rich towards God and helping others, noting that generosity leads to abundance while stinginess results in lack. He also warns against the love of money, which can ensnare believers if not properly judged and cleansed. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a heart transformation towards giving and reliance on God's provision.
Day 137, Luke 1
By David Servant0PRO 21:13LUK 1:6David Servant delves into the events surrounding the birth of John the Baptist as detailed by Luke in his Gospel. Luke, writing to Theophilus, possibly addresses all who truly love God. He meticulously investigated Christ's life over three decades, providing unique insights into John's godly parentage and Zacharias' encounter with the angel Gabriel. The prophecy of Jesus' eternal reign brings certainty in an uncertain world, emphasizing the security of His everlasting kingdom. The miraculous virgin birth of Jesus highlights God's power and sovereignty, challenging skeptics to consider the countless miracles in every birth.
The Greedy "Christian"
By David Servant0DEU 8:18PRO 21:13PRO 28:27MAT 6:19MRK 12:41LUK 14:331TI 6:17David Servant preaches about the importance of sacrificial giving and caring for the poor, using the story of a poor Christian man named Pablito living in a Manila dump as an example. Pablito's faith and generosity despite his poverty challenge listeners to examine their own hearts and actions towards those in need. The sermon emphasizes the biblical call to love and serve others, especially the less fortunate, as a reflection of true discipleship and obedience to Christ's teachings on generosity and compassion.
Pure Religion
By Eli Brayley0PRO 21:13AMO 5:24MAT 25:40JAS 1:27Eli Brayley preaches on the importance of not shutting our ears to the cry of the poor, emphasizing the need for compassion and care for the less privileged. He reflects on the convicting truth that neglecting the poor can hinder our prayers from being answered and render our faith ineffective. The sermon challenges Christians to examine their hearts and actions, urging them to keep themselves unstained from the world and to show love and kindness to those in need, as if they were serving Christ Himself.
The Law of God--No. 2
By Charles Finney0Love for NeighborDivine Law vs. Human LawPRO 21:13MAT 7:12MAT 22:39LUK 6:31ROM 13:10GAL 5:14PHP 2:3JAS 2:81PE 4:81JN 4:20Charles Finney emphasizes the profound implications of the commandment to love one's neighbor as oneself, exploring its true spirit and the consequences of both obedience and disobedience. He argues that genuine adherence to this law fosters individual and collective happiness, while its violation leads to misery and injustice. Finney highlights the distinction between divine law and human laws, asserting that true morality transcends mere legal compliance and requires a heart aligned with God's principles. He calls for restitution in cases of wrongdoing, underscoring that without repentance and restitution, forgiveness cannot be granted. Ultimately, Finney urges believers to reflect on their lives in light of God's law, advocating for a radical transformation in how they conduct their affairs.
Why Do They Always Have to Be Either Entertained or Entertaining?
By K.P. Yohannan0Consumerism vs. GenerosityCompassion for the PoorPRO 21:13MAT 6:19MAT 25:35LUK 12:15ROM 12:13GAL 6:2PHP 2:41TI 6:17JAS 2:151JN 3:17K.P. Yohannan addresses the tendency of people to seek entertainment as a means of escaping guilt and the deeper issues in their lives. He contrasts the extravagant consumption habits of Americans with the stark realities faced by those in poorer nations, emphasizing the irony of how much is spent on food and entertainment in the West compared to the dire needs of others. Yohannan highlights the disconnect between the generosity shown in church offerings and the lavish meals that often follow, which can overshadow the true message of compassion and awareness for global suffering. He calls for a deeper understanding of the needs of others and a reevaluation of priorities in fellowship and community life.
Indicators of God's Choosing
By A.W. Tozer0PRO 21:13ROM 1:20ROM 3:19TIT 1:10HEB 11:33Greek Word Studies delves into the meaning of 'Closed' (phrasso) in Romans 3:19, emphasizing its significance in silencing all excuses for both Jews and Gentiles, akin to stopping the mouth or putting to silence. The concept of shutting mouths is illustrated in various biblical contexts, highlighting the effect of overwhelming evidence against sinners, rendering them speechless before God's judgment. The purpose of the Law is to lead individuals to renounce their own righteousness and rely on Christ's righteousness for justification, as obedience to the law alone cannot justify anyone before God.
Christian Cautions (Or the Necessity of Self-Examination)
By Jonathan Edwards0LEV 19:17DEU 15:7NEH 13:19PSA 139:23PRO 21:13PRO 22:24ISA 1:17MAT 7:3JHN 5:39Jonathan Edwards preaches about the importance of self-examination and living a life free from sin, focusing on various aspects such as the observance of the Sabbath, secret sins, temper towards neighbors, dealings with others, charity, and conversation. He emphasizes the need to diligently search one's heart, repent of sins, and strive to align with God's commandments to avoid provoking Him. Edwards urges the congregation to reflect on their actions, thoughts, and attitudes towards others, emphasizing the significance of living a righteous and just life in accordance with God's will.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
13 He that stoppeth his ear at the cry of the poor he also calls and is not heard. Only the merciful find mercy, Mat 5:7; the unmerciful rich man, who has no ear for the cry of the דל, i.e., of him who is without support and means of subsistence, thus of one who is needing support, will also remain unheard when he himself, in the time of need, calls upon God for help. Cf. the parable of the unmerciful servant of the merciful king, Mat 18:23. מן in מזּעקת, as Isa 23:15; Gen 4:13; Gen 27:1; no preposition of our [German] language [nor English] expresses, as Fleischer here remarks, such a fulness of meaning as this מן does, to which, after a verb of shutting up such as אטם (cf. Pro 17:28), the Arab. 'n would correspond, e.g., â'my 'n âltryḳ: blind, so that he does not see the way.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The principles of retribution, often taught (compare Psa 18:26; Mat 7:1-12).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor,.... For want of bread; or, "of the weak", as the Septuagint and other versions; for want of help and protection, when in the greatest distress; and, with the most pressing importunity, entreats his assistance, and yet refuses to hear him out: or, if he does, will not relieve him, which is all one as if he heard him not, or denied him a hearing; he also shall cry himself; the Targum and Syriac version add, "unto God". The sense is, that even such an one shall be brought into the like distressed circumstances, when he shall make application to God, and to his fellow creatures, for relief and assistance: but shall not be heard; a deaf ear will be turned to him by both: the same measure he has measured shall be measured to him again; no mercy shall be shown to an unmerciful man, either by God or man; see Jam 2:13.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here we have the description and doom of an uncharitable man. 1. His description: He stops his ears at the cry of the poor, at the cry of their wants and miseries (he resolves to take no cognizance of them), at the cry of their requests and supplications - he resolves he will not so much as give them the hearing, turns them away from his door, and forbids them to come near him, or, if he cannot avoid hearing them, he will not need them, nor be moved by their complaints, no be prevailed with by their importunities; he shuts up the bowels of his compassion, and that is equivalent to the stopping of his ears, Act 7:57. 2. His doom. He shall himself be reduced to straits, which will make him cry, and then he shall not be heard. Men will not hear him, but reward him as he has rewarded others. God will not hear him; for he that showed no mercy shall have judgment without mercy (Jam 2:13), and he that on earth denied a crumb of bread in hell was denied a drop of water. God will be deaf to the prayers of those who are deaf to the cries of the poor, which, if they be not heard by us, will be heard against us, Exo 22:23.