What is the meaning of Proverbs 21:13? Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor “Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor” (Proverbs 21:13) confronts us with a choice: compassion or indifference. • The wording pictures someone deliberately turning away, not just missing the need but refusing to listen. • Scripture repeatedly links true godliness with active care for the needy. “If one of your brothers becomes poor … you are to open your hand” (Deuteronomy 15:7-8). “He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him” (Proverbs 14:31). • New-Testament echoes reinforce the point: “If a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food … what good is it?” (James 2:15-17), and “Whoever has earthly possessions and sees his brother in need but closes his heart … how can the love of God abide in him?” (1 John 3:17). • Ignoring the poor is therefore not a neutral act; it is a direct affront to the God who created and cherishes every person. he too shall cry out The verse turns the spotlight back on the hard-hearted listener: “he too shall cry out.” • Scripture teaches a consistent sow-and-reap principle. “They caused the cry of the poor to come before Him, and He heard the cry of the afflicted” (Job 34:28); yet when roles reverse, the indifferent find themselves calling for help. • David testified, “In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I cried for help” (Psalm 18:6). Crying out is natural in crisis, and God is eager to respond—yet the verse warns of a condition attached. • Prophets echo the same warning: “Then they will cry to the LORD, but He will not answer them” (Micah 3:4). Divine justice ensures that the measure we use is measured back to us. and receive no answer The sobering finale—“and receive no answer”—declares that indifference toward others’ pleas blocks heaven’s ears to our own. • Isaiah delivered the same verdict: “When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you” (Isaiah 1:15). • Wisdom literature repeats it: “Then they will call on me, but I will not answer” (Proverbs 1:28) and “He who turns away his ear from listening to the law, even his prayer is detestable” (Proverbs 28:9). • Zechariah records God saying, “They refused to pay attention … Therefore, just as I called and they would not listen, so they called and I would not listen” (Zechariah 7:11-13). • James sums it up: “Judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful” (James 2:13). The principle is crystal clear: refusing mercy forfeits mercy. The literal promise of unanswered prayer is not hyperbole; it is a reliable warning rooted in God’s unchanging character. summary Proverbs 21:13 draws a straight line between our response to human need and God’s response to us. If we plug our ears to the poor, we will find heaven silent when we are the ones crying out. Loving action toward the needy is therefore not optional charity but essential obedience. God’s Word assures that those who honor Him by open-handed compassion will, in their own hour of need, experience His attentive care. |
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