Proverbs 17:5 Whoso mocks the poor reproaches his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished. 

Those who find joy in the suffering or downfall of others are not guiltless. To be glad at another’s calamity is to harden one’s heart against compassion and mercy, virtues central to God’s own nature. Such joy in destruction is a sin that God promises to punish.

Two biblical examples of being punished for rejoicing at calamity: [1] The Tyrians – “Son of man, because that Tyrus had said against Jerusalem, Aha, she is broken… I am against thee, O Tyrus, and will cause many nations to come up against thee…” (Ezek. 26:2-6). Tyre rejoiced at Jerusalem’s fall, expecting to profit from her ruin. But God judged Tyre severely. [2] The Edomites – “In the day that thou stood on the other side… even thou was as one of them… neither should thou have rejoiced over the children of Judah…” (Obad. 1:10-15). Edom stood by and gloated over Judah’s destruction. For this, God declared judgment.

The phrase “shall not be unpunished” means that such a person will not go guiltless before God. He who mocks the poor or rejoices in calamity places himself under divine judgment. God is a just Judge and will not overlook cruelty or pride disguised as pleasure.

Let us walk in humility and compassion, knowing that every soul, rich or poor, is made in the image of God. To mock the weak or celebrate another’s fall is to stand in opposition to the heart of God. “He that has mercy on the poor, lends unto the Lord” (19:17), and “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy” (Matt. 5:7).

Proverbs 17:5 Whoso mocks the poor reproaches his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished. 

This verse is a solemn warning against two grievous sins: mocking the poor and rejoicing over the misfortunes of others. Both are offences not only against humanity but against God Himself, who is the Creator and Judge of all. To scorn or belittle the poor is to show contempt for the One who made them. God is the Maker of both rich and poor (14:31), and He sees every soul as valuable. When someone mocks the poor, they mock the God who fashioned them with care and purpose.

Two biblical examples of mocking the poor: [1] The Princes of Judah – “The Lord will enter into judgment with the ancients of His people, and the princes thereof: for you have eaten up the vineyard; the spoil of the poor is in your houses.” (Isa. 3:14-15). “To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor…” (Isa. 10:2). These leaders oppressed the poor for personal gain, revealing their contempt for God’s justice. [2] The rich in James’ Epistle – “Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields… cries: and the cries… are entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.” (Jas. 5:4). The wealthy withheld wages and exploited workers, showing heartless disregard for the needy. To be continued…

Proverbs 14:31 He that oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker: but he that honours him has mercy on the poor. 

‘He that oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker: but he that honours him has mercy on the poor.’ Don’t oppress anyone who struggles; help them in ways that they can benefit from without trying to fix their circumstances, which is God’s first task for anyone who actually trusts in Him and doesn’t rely on others to fix their consequences.

God has always willed for His people to be free from poverty, weakness, and sickness, and enjoy an abundance of good things. All the patriarchs were healthy, wealthy, and wise. Abundant life for body, soul, and spirit is promised every man today in Christ (Matt. 17:20; 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; John 10:10; 14:12-15; 15:7, 16; 16:23-26). It is God’s will that all His children prosper and be in health, even as their souls prosper (3Jn. 1:2; Ps. 1:3; 23:1; 34:9-10; 84:11).

‘Maker’ – An ancient title of God found here (17:5; Job 35:10; Isa. 17:7; 51:13; 54:5). It refers to God as Creator of all, whether weak or strong.