Proverbs 14:31 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

He that oppresseth the poor; that useth him hardly, as the Syriac renders it; that withholdeth from him that which is his due, either by the rules of strict justice, or by the great law of charity, of which see Proverbs 3:27, and so it is opposed to having mercy in the next clause. Reproacheth his Maker; whose image the poor man bears, which might challenge respect, Job 31:15; by whose counsel and providence he is made poor, 1 Samuel 2:7 Proverbs 22:2, and who hath declared himself to be their protector and avenger. He that honoureth him, his image, and works, and laws, hath mercy on the poor; doth not only forbear oppressing or injuring of him, but affords him his pity and help.