Proverbs 17:5

Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Marker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.
– Proverbs 17:5

The word for mocketh means to deride, or ridicule. The word for reproacheth means to defame, or blaspheme. The poor are those who are destitute and needy. The first shows that selfish cruel treatment of the unfortunate is a slight not only to them, but to the God who made them (Proverbs 14:31; Exodus 4:11). The word for calamities means misfortune, or ruin. The word for unpunished means to be held guiltless, or innocent. The second phrase furthers the seriousness of the first. To rejoice in the calamities of others and to take delight in their ruin is evil and God will avenge it (Proverbs 16:5; 24:17).

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