Proverbs 19:17

He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
– Proverbs 19:17

Oppressing or mocking the poor will meet with retribution (Proverbs 14:31; 17:5). This proverb gives the same connection. To mock or give to the poor is to mock or give to God, respectively. Jesus affirmed this in the judgment narrative in Matthew 25:40, 46. The word for pity means to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior. The context with lendeth and pay him again, obviously indicates a giving to the poor. The second phrase promises a recompense for compassionate generosity. God promises reward that could come in different forms and at different times (Proverbs 11:24-25; 28:27).

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