Proverbs 21:13 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 21:13 mean?

Proverbs 21:13 warns that anyone who ignores the desperate pleas of those in need will find themselves ignored when they seek help. The verse teaches that turning away from the "cry of the poor" leads to a similar lack of mercy when the roles are reversed.

In Proverbs, these sayings are collected as wisdom for everyday life, often attributed to Solomon and addressed to anyone seeking to live wisely. This verse highlights a principle of justice and empathy: refusing to listen to the suffering of others has real consequences. The proverb uses vivid language to show that our actions toward the vulnerable can come back to affect us personally.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 21:13

• "stoppeth" (עָצַר, ʿatsar): This word means to shut or hold back, suggesting a deliberate act of refusing to listen, not just being inattentive by accident.
• "cry" (זַעֲקָה, zaʿaqah): This word refers to a loud, urgent call for help, often used in the Hebrew Bible for cries of distress or injustice. It emphasizes the seriousness of the poor person's situation.
• "poor" (דָּל, dal): This word points to someone who is weak, powerless, or lacking resources, not just financially poor but vulnerable in a broader sense.
• "heard" (עָנָה, ʿanah): This word means to answer or respond, not just to hear with the ears. The verse is about whether someone’s plea gets a real response, not just whether it is noticed.

Why Proverbs 21:13 matters

• Proverbs 21:13 makes clear that ignoring those in need is not a neutral act; it brings consequences that affect the one who refuses to help.
• The verse highlights the importance of empathy and responsiveness, showing that wisdom involves caring for others, especially those who are vulnerable.
• This proverb connects to a larger theme in Proverbs and the Hebrew Bible: justice for the poor and the idea that how we treat others shapes our own experience of mercy and justice.