He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.
He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker - who hath made the poor as well as the rich (1 Samuel 2:7; Proverbs 22:2, below; Exodus 4:11). The oppressor of the poor, whether by word or deed, persuades himself that God either will not, or cannot, vindicate the poor.
But he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor - i:e., he honoureth his Maker whosoever hath mercy on the poor. It is not enough merely not to oppress, we must also show positive mercy, whereby we honour the Lord, who hath commanded the poor be relieved.