Proverbs 21:13 Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. 1. We may always expect, both in general society and in the Church of God, "the rich and poor to meet together." Wherever there has been property it has been in various portions; and were there an equal division of property to-day, there would be a difference to-morrow. There are varieties of poverty; for poverty is a relative and comparative term. And among the indigent and dependent poor there are also varieties — the industrious and the indolent; the sober and the intemperate; the virtuous and the vicious, the deserving and the undeserving. 2. Nothing can be of greater consequence than marking this distinction, and regulating our charity accordingly. There is a "stopping of the ears" that is at times a virtue — requiring an effort of self-denying principle in opposition to the mere emotion and impulse of present pity. Charity must be exercised judiciously. 3. The sin here reproved is an unmerciful disposition; unfeeling hardness of heart; pitiless, avaricious, griping selfishness. This may be exemplified in beating down the wages of the poor labourer and artisan; in the denial of protection to the poor when it is pleaded for against oppression, and when we have it in our power to afford it. (R. Wardlaw, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.WEB: Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he will also cry out, but shall not be heard. |
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