5 Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.
5 Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.
5 Whoever mocks poor people, insults their Creator; gloating over misfortune is a punishable crime.
5 He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker; He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.
5 Those who mock the poor insult their Maker; those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished.
5 "Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan, I will now arise," says the Lord. "I will protect them from those who malign them."
5 "Because the poor are plundered, because the needy groan, I will now arise," says the Lord; "I will place him in the safety for which he longs."
5 Into the hovels of the poor, Into the dark streets where the homeless groan, God speaks: "I've had enough; I'm on my way To heal the ache in the heart of the wretched."
5 "For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, Now I will arise," says the Lord; "I will set him in the safety for which he yearns."
5 The Lord replies, "I have seen violence done to the helpless, and I have heard the groans of the poor. Now I will rise up to rescue them, as they have longed for me to do."
The psalmist begs help of God, because there were none among men whom he durst trust.
This psalm furnishes good thoughts for bad times; a man may comfort himself with such meditations and prayers. Let us see what makes the times bad, and when they may be said to be so. Ask the children of this world, What makes the times bad? they will tell you, Scarcity of money, decay of trade, and the desolations of war, make the times bad: but the Scripture lays the badness of the times on causes of another nature, 2 Timothy 3:1, & c.: perilous times shall come, for sin shall abound; and of this David complains. When piety decays times really are bad. He who made man's mouth will call him to an account for his proud, profane, dissembling, or even useless words. When the poor and needy are oppressed, then the times are very bad. God himself takes notice of the oppression of the poor, and the sighing of the needy. When wickedness abounds, and is countenanced by those in authority, then the times are very bad. See with what good things we are here furnished for such bad times; and we cannot tell what times we may be reserved for. 1. We have a God to go to, from whom we may ask and expect the redress of all our grievances. 2. God will certainly punish and restrain false and proud men. 3. God will work deliverance for his oppressed people. His help is given in the fittest time. Though men are false, God is faithful; though they are not to be trusted, God is. The preciousness of God's word is compared to silver refined to the highest degree. How many proofs have been given of its power and truth! God will secure his chosen remnant, however bad the times are. As long as the world stands, there will be a generation of proud and wicked men. But all God's people are put into the hands of Christ our Saviour; there they are in safety, for none can pluck them thence; being built on Him, the Rock, they are safe, notwithstanding temptation or persecution come with ever so much force upon them.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 17:5
Commentary on Proverbs 17:5
(Read Proverbs 17:5)
Those that laugh at poverty, treat God's providence and precepts with contempt.
(Read Proverbs 17:6)
It is an honour to children to have wise and godly parents continued to them, even after they are grown up and settled in the world.
Commentary on Proverbs 17:7
(Read Proverbs 17:7)
A fool, in Solomon's Proverbs, signifies a wicked man, whom excellent speech does not become, because his conversation contradicts it.
Commentary on Proverbs 17:8
(Read Proverbs 17:8)
Those who set their hearts upon money, will do any thing for it. What influence should the gifts of God have on our hearts!
Commentary on Proverbs 17:9
(Read Proverbs 17:9)
The way to preserve peace is to make the best of every thing; not to notice what has been said or done against ourselves.
Commentary on Proverbs 17:10
(Read Proverbs 17:10)
A gentle reproof will enter, not only into the head, but into the heart of a wise man.
Commentary on Proverbs 17:11
(Read Proverbs 17:11)
Satan, and the messengers of Satan, shall be let loose upon an evil man.
Commentary on Proverbs 17:12
(Read Proverbs 17:12)
Let us watch over our own passions, and avoid the company of furious men.
Commentary on Proverbs 17:13
(Read Proverbs 17:13)
To render evil for good is devilish. He that does so, brings a curse upon his family.
Commentary on Proverbs 17:14
(Read Proverbs 17:14)
What danger there is in the beginning of strife! Resist its earliest display; and leave it off, if it were possible, before you begin.
Commentary on Proverbs 17:15
(Read Proverbs 17:15)
It is an offence to God to acquit the guilty, or to condemn those who are not guilty.
Commentary on Proverbs 17:16
(Read Proverbs 17:16)
Man's neglect of God's favour and his own interest is very absurd.
Commentary on Proverbs 17:17
(Read Proverbs 17:17)
No change of outward circumstances should abate our affection for our friends or relatives. But no friend, except Christ, deserves unlimited confidence. In Him this text did receive, and still receives its most glorious fulfilment.
Commentary on Proverbs 17:18
(Read Proverbs 17:18)
Let not any wrong their families. Yet Christ's becoming Surety for men, was a glorious display of Divine wisdom; for he was able to discharge the bond.
Commentary on Proverbs 17:19
(Read Proverbs 17:19)
If we would keep a clear conscience and a quiet mind, we must shun all excitements to anger. And a man who affects a style of living above his means, goes the way to ruin.
Commentary on Proverbs 17:20
(Read Proverbs 17:20)
There is nothing got by ill designs. And many have paid dear for an unbridled tongue.
Commentary on Proverbs 17:21
(Read Proverbs 17:21)
This speaks very plainly what many wise and good men feel very strongly, how grievous it is to have a foolish, wicked child.
Commentary on Proverbs 17:22
(Read Proverbs 17:22)
It is great mercy that God gives us leave to be cheerful, and cause to be cheerful, if by his grace he gives us hearts to be cheerful.
Commentary on Proverbs 17:23
(Read Proverbs 17:23)
The wicked are ready to part with their money, though loved, that they may not suffer for their crimes.
Commentary on Proverbs 17:24
More Commentaries for Proverbs 17
Footnotes for Proverbs 17
[1] 17:5 unpunished: Heb. held innocent
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