Topical Bible: The Poor by Mocking, God is Reproached

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Topical Encyclopedia

The biblical principle that mocking the poor is an affront to God is deeply rooted in the Scriptures, reflecting the divine concern for justice, compassion, and humility. This theme underscores the moral and spiritual implications of how individuals treat those who are less fortunate, emphasizing that such actions are not merely social or ethical issues but are intrinsically linked to one's relationship with God.

Scriptural Foundation

The Book of Proverbs provides a clear articulation of this principle. Proverbs 17:5 states, "He who mocks the poor taunts their Maker; whoever rejoices in calamity will not go unpunished." This verse highlights the direct connection between one's treatment of the poor and their attitude toward God, the Creator of all. Mocking the poor is equated with taunting God Himself, indicating that such behavior is a serious offense in the eyes of the Lord.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the poor are often seen as representatives of God's special concern and care. Throughout the Bible, God is depicted as a defender of the marginalized and oppressed. In Deuteronomy 10:18, God is described as one who "executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing." This divine attribute calls believers to emulate God's compassion and justice in their own lives.

Mocking the poor, therefore, is not only a failure to show compassion but also a rejection of God's character and commands. It reflects a heart that is hardened to the needs of others and indifferent to the divine mandate to love one's neighbor as oneself (Leviticus 19:18).

Moral and Ethical Considerations

The biblical injunction against mocking the poor serves as a moral compass for believers, guiding them toward attitudes and actions that honor God. It calls for a posture of humility and empathy, recognizing that all people are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and deserving of dignity and respect.

Furthermore, the Scriptures warn of the consequences of such behavior. Proverbs 22:22-23 cautions, "Do not rob a poor man because he is poor, and do not crush the afflicted at the gate, for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them." This passage underscores the divine justice that will be meted out against those who exploit or demean the poor, affirming that God Himself will act on behalf of the oppressed.

Practical Application

Believers are called to reflect God's heart for the poor through acts of kindness, generosity, and advocacy. The New Testament reinforces this call to action, as seen in James 1:27 : "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." This verse encapsulates the essence of true faith, which is demonstrated through tangible expressions of love and care for those in need.

In summary, the biblical teaching that mocking the poor is a reproach to God serves as a powerful reminder of the sacred responsibility to uphold justice, mercy, and humility in all interactions with others, particularly the vulnerable and disadvantaged.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 17:5
Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Folly and Danger of Parting with Christ for the Pleasures and ...
... nothing will hinder Christ from receiving of you: he loves to see poor sinners coming ...
If not, you are only deceiving yourselves; and mocking of God; he must ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the folly and danger of 2.htm

Charity and Conflict.
... and her followers are few, feeble, and poor, then Jesus ... Jesus again, amongst a band
of ribald, mocking, soldiers ... then, their zeal for the glory of God, when it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/chapter v charity and conflict.htm

Of Atheistical Discourse.
... therefore they decry the Scripture as mean and poor; and to ... they will thus dally
and play with them, God will be ... nay, He will take His turn of mocking too, and ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section iii of atheistical discourse.htm

The Night of the Soul
... me that out of the darkness I hear the mocking voice of ... only He will deign to open
it to poor unbelievers, I ... A heart given to God loses nothing of its natural ...
//christianbookshelf.org/martin/the story of a soul/chapter ix the night of.htm

the Night of the Soul
... me that out of the darkness I hear the mocking voice of ... only He will deign to open
it to poor unbelievers, I ... A heart given to God loses nothing of its natural ...
//christianbookshelf.org/therese/story of a soul/chapter ix - the night.htm

Matt. v. 1, 2
... and God also upbraiding him with this, and mocking his folly ... other beatitudes, He
said, "Blessed are the poor," and "the ... as because ye are defamed for God's sake ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xv matt v 1.htm

The Valleys --Experiences of Suffering and Sacrifice
... blighted lives, the wreckage of lives among both poor and rich ... there be any of the
power of God in, or ... then served as weaver to make the mocking, cutting crown ...
/.../quiet talks on following the christ/3 the valleysexperiences of suffering.htm

The Life of Mr. John Welch.
... protest to you, Sir, in the sight of God, I forgive ... or can do, to me) but unto Christ's
poor kirk, in ... cut Sampson's hair, and to expose him to mocking, but the ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr john 5.htm

Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ...
... Do but grant me, without mocking of me, the liberty you ... if a man want light in his
duty to the poor?'. ... as Christ also received us to the glory of God' (Romans 15 ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/differences in judgment about water.htm

A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican
... and so consequently with an unmerciful and hard-hearted tyrant; how much more shall
the poor, afflicted, distressed, and tempted people of God, prevail with ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse upon the pharisee.htm