Proverbs 14:31
He who is hard on the poor puts shame on his Maker; but he who has mercy on those who are in need gives him honour.
Bible in Basic English
In The King James Version
He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.
In Context
30A quiet mind is the life of the body, but envy is a disease in the bones.
32The sinner is overturned in his evil-doing, but the upright man has hope in his righteousness.
Cross References
Leviticus 25:35And if your brother becomes poor and is not able to make a living, then you are to keep him with you, helping him as you would a man from another country who is living among you.
Psalms 12:5\12:4\They have said, With our tongues will we overcome; our lips are ours: who is lord over us?
Proverbs 17:5Whoever makes sport of the poor puts shame on his Maker; and he who is glad because of trouble will not go free from punishment.
Proverbs 22:2The man of wealth and the poor man come face to face: the Lord is the maker of them all.
Proverbs 22:22Do not take away the property of the poor man because he is poor, or be cruel to the crushed ones when they come before the judge:
Matthew 25:40And the King will make answer and say to them, Truly I say to you, Because you did it to the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.
Matthew Henry on Proverbs 14:31
30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. The foregoing verse showed how much our reputation, this how much our health, depends on the good government of our passions and the preserving of the temper of the mind. 1. A healing spirit, made up of love and meekness, a hearty, friendly, cheerful disposition, is the life of the flesh; it contributes to a good constitution of body; people grow fat with good humour. 2. A fretful, envious, discontented spirit, is its own punishment;… Read the whole commentary →