Proverbs 14:31, God’s Honour First!

August 29, Proverbs 14:31

James 2:5-10; 1 John 3:17-18 “He who liveth God love his brother also” (1 Jn. 4:21).

God’s Honour First!

In this verse there are two more different words for poor (14:20, 21, 23). The first means thin (Joseph’s poor kine). These poor are so stricken with poverty; but they are not responsible for their condition. The one who oppresses them. therefore, reproaches his Maker. The second word for poor is often translated needy (30:14; 31:9, 20). These poor must resort to begging. Could this be why the rabbis taught that God created the poor for the benefit of the rich so that they would have someone to give alms to?

1. The Crime Performed: He that oppresseth the poor is guilty of abusing the most vulnerable class in society. Who can they count on to come to their aid? Remember, they are poor (lean) through no fault of their own. To oppress means to wrong, to extort more than is just, such as high rents for low-standard rooms, or exorbitant interest on loans to his poor brethren. Both Testaments condemn such practices and strongly advocate care for the poor (Lv. 25:35, 36; 1 Jn. 2:9). Did not Christ, in becoming poor for us, put poverty in its truest light?

“My Master was so very poor, a manger was His cradling place;
So very rich my Master was, kings came from far to gain His grace.”

2. The Charge Preferred: He reproacheth his Maker. He is charged with sin against his Maker (Pr. 17:5). Is not God the Maker of all, rich and poor? Do not both bear the image of God. Job asks concerning his servant, Did not he that made me in the womb, make him (31:15)? The poor are no less His creatures than the rich. Thus we learn that this inhumanity is just plain ungodliness. It is to reproach, to curse, to say sharp things against God Himself! We slight God’s work, reject His Word, and then blame Him for the existence of these poor! Jesus said that wrongs done to these least were wrongs done to Him (Mt. 25:45)! In this sense, “The poor man’s hand is Christ’s treasury.” Fill it.

3. The Charity Prescribed: He that honoureth God hath mercy on the poor. We are not to oppress, but rather to show mercy where we can. To do so is to honour our Lord Jesus Himself (Mt. 25:40)! As you were mercied, you must show mercy to others less privileged than yourself. There is a sentimental kindness for the poor that has nothing to do with true godliness (e.g., gifts to charities). The RV (1881) sowed the seed of this error (also NASV NIV, et al) when it translated: One having mercy honours God. This is not necessarily so! There is too often a self-serving mentality behind donations. The fact that there is some Tax relief doesn’t hurt either! Our proverb deliberately puts the emphasis on God. It says, but he that honoureth him [his Maker] hath mercy on the poor. Those only have mercy on the poor who do it for God’s honour first!

Thought: “Poverty of spirit is the riches of the soul.”

Prayer: That I might so honour Thee, O Lord.