He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.

PROVERBS 14:31KJV
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Proverbs 14:31 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 14:31 mean?

Proverbs 14:31 teaches that mistreating people who are poor is an insult to God, while showing kindness to those in need is a way of honoring God. The verse connects how someone treats the vulnerable with their attitude toward their Creator.

This proverb comes from a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to Solomon, directed at anyone seeking to live wisely and justly. The verse highlights a direct link between social behavior and spiritual respect, showing that care for the poor is not just about charity but about one’s relationship with God.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 14:31

  • "Oppresseth" (עָשַׁק, ʿāshaq) means to wrong, exploit, or take advantage of someone, especially by force or deceit. The word points to active harm, not just neglect.
  • "Poor" (דַּל, dal) refers to someone who is weak or lacking in resources, emphasizing vulnerability.
  • "Reproacheth" (חָרַף, ḥāraph) means to insult, taunt, or treat with contempt. The verse says that harming the poor is like showing contempt for God.
  • "Maker" (עָשָׂה, ʿāsah) means the one who made or created, referring to God as the Creator of all people, including the poor.
  • "Honoureth" (כָּבֵד, kāvēd) means to give weight, respect, or value. Honoring God here is tied to how one treats the poor.
  • "Mercy" (חָנַן, ḥānan) means to show favor, be gracious, or show compassion. The verse uses this word to describe kindness toward the poor.
  • "Poor" (אֶבְיוֹן, ʾevyon) is another word for someone in need, often used for those who are destitute or begging, highlighting a different aspect of poverty.

Why Proverbs 14:31 matters

  • Proverbs 14:31 makes clear that social justice and faith are not separate; how a person treats the poor is a reflection of their view of God.
  • The verse challenges the idea that faith is only about rituals or beliefs, showing that practical compassion is a core part of honoring God.
  • By using two different Hebrew words for "poor," the proverb covers a range of people in need, emphasizing that all vulnerable people deserve respect and mercy.

Where else these words appear

“oppresseth” Hebrew H6231 · used in 35 verses

  • Leviticus 6:2 If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the LORD, and lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbour;
  • Psalms 72:4 He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.
  • Isaiah 52:4 For thus saith the Lord GOD, My people went down aforetime into Egypt to sojourn there; and the Assyrian oppressed them without cause.

“reproacheth” Hebrew H2778 · used in 40 verses

  • Leviticus 19:20 And whosoever lieth carnally with a woman, that is a bondmaid, betrothed to an husband, and not at all redeemed, nor freedom given her; she shall be scourged; they shall not be put to death, because she was not free.
  • 2 Kings 19:23 By thy messengers thou hast reproached the Lord, and hast said, With the multitude of my chariots I am come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon, and will cut down the tall cedar trees thereof, and the choice fir trees thereof: and I will enter into the lodgings of his borders, and into the forest of his Carmel.
  • Psalms 89:51 Wherewith thine enemies have reproached, O LORD; wherewith they have reproached the footsteps of thine anointed.

“poor” Hebrew H1800 · used in 46 verses

  • Exodus 23:3 Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause.
  • Psalms 41:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.
  • Proverbs 28:15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

“poor” Hebrew H34 · used in 58 verses

  • Exodus 23:6 Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause.
  • Psalms 40:17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
  • Proverbs 31:9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.