Proverbs 21:13

KJV

¶ Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whoso stoppeth {H331} his ears {H241} at the cry {H2201} of the poor {H1800}, he also shall cry {H7121} himself, but shall not be heard {H6030}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Whoever stops up his ears at the cry of the poor will himself cry, but not be answered.

Berean Standard Bible

Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer.

American Standard Version

Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, He also shall cry, but shall not be heard.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 21:13 delivers a potent warning rooted in the principles of divine justice and moral reciprocity. It asserts that an individual who willfully ignores the desperate pleas of the impoverished will, in their own time of acute need, experience the same profound silence and lack of response. This proverb encapsulates a fundamental tenet of biblical wisdom: compassion is an essential virtue, and one's treatment of the most vulnerable members of society directly influences one's own spiritual and experiential well-being, reflecting a just cosmic order where actions inevitably yield proportional consequences.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 21 is situated within the broader collection of "Solomonic" proverbs (Proverbs 10-22:16), a compilation of pithy, divinely inspired sayings intended to impart practical wisdom for righteous living. This chapter, characteristic of much of the book of Proverbs, frequently contrasts the paths and outcomes of the righteous versus the wicked, emphasizing the moral consequences of specific behaviors and attitudes. Proverbs 21:13 functions as a stark ethical imperative, seamlessly integrating into a literary context that consistently addresses themes of justice, integrity, and social responsibility. Its message resonates deeply with other proverbs advocating for the protection and care of the poor, such as the condemnation of those who oppress the poor in [Proverbs 14:31](/proverbs/14-31 "Proverbs 14:31 - Oppressing the Poor") and the blessing promised to those who give to the poor in [Proverbs 28:27](/proverbs/28-27 "Proverbs 28:27 - Giving to the Poor"). The proverb's structure, presenting a clear cause-and-effect relationship, is a hallmark of wisdom literature, underscoring the predictable moral order established by God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society, like many agrarian cultures of the ancient Near East, featured distinct social strata. The "poor" (Hebrew: _dal_) were typically those who had lost their ancestral land, family support, or health, rendering them highly vulnerable and often dependent on the generosity and justice of the community. The Mosaic Law meticulously outlined specific provisions for the poor, widows, orphans, and sojourners, underscoring their protection and the community's covenantal obligation to care for them, as seen in the commands regarding lending to the needy in [Deuteronomy 15:7-11](/deuteronomy/15-7-11 "Deuteronomy 15:7-11 - Lending to the Poor"). Throughout Israel's history, the prophets consistently condemned the oppression and neglect of the poor as a severe transgression against God's righteous character, exemplified by Amos's scathing indictment in [Amos 2:6-7](/amos/2-6-7 "Amos 2:6-7 - Injustice Against the Poor"). This proverb therefore reflects a deeply ingrained cultural and religious expectation that those with means were morally and spiritually bound to respond to the distress signals of the less fortunate, and that failure to do so constituted a direct affront to divine principles of justice and compassion.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 21:13 powerfully articulates several foundational themes prevalent in biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Retribution and Reciprocity**, asserting a direct, mirroring consequence for one's actions. The refusal to hear the cry of the poor leads to one's own cry going unheard, illustrating a principle often summarized as "what goes around comes around" or the spiritual law of "sowing and reaping" as articulated in [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping"). Secondly, the proverb underscores **Compassion and Empathy** as non-negotiable virtues. The act of "stopping one's ears" signifies a deliberate, willful suppression of empathy, a conscious choice to remain unfeeling and unresponsive to genuine distress. This is not passive ignorance but active indifference. Thirdly, it emphasizes **Social Responsibility**, asserting that care for the marginalized is not merely an act of charity but a fundamental ethical and spiritual obligation. Neglecting the poor is not a neutral act but a moral failing with severe spiritual repercussions, challenging individualistic tendencies and reminding believers of their interconnectedness within God's moral economy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stoppeth (Hebrew, _ʼâṭam'_):** This verb (H331) means "to close (the lips or ears); by analogy to contract (a window by bevelled jambs); narrow, shut, stop." In this context, it denotes a deliberate, active closing off of the senses, a willful refusal to acknowledge or receive information. It implies not passive ignorance but an intentional act of blocking out sound, suggesting a hardened heart that consciously chooses indifference rather than being merely unaware.
* **Cry (Hebrew, _zaʻaq'_):** This noun (H2201) refers to "a shriek or outcry." It signifies a loud, urgent, and often desperate appeal for help, indicative of deep distress, pain, or injustice. It is not a quiet murmur but a piercing sound demanding immediate attention and intervention, highlighting the severity of the poor's plight and the profound callousness of ignoring it.
* **Poor (Hebrew, _dal'_):** This adjective (H1800) means "properly, dangling, i.e. (by implication) weak or thin; lean, needy, poor (man), weaker." It describes individuals who are economically, socially, or physically vulnerable, often lacking power, resources, or advocacy. The term emphasizes their state of dependency and their profound need for compassionate assistance and protection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor":** This initial clause identifies the specific action that incurs divine judgment. The universal pronoun "Whoso" indicates that this principle applies to any individual, regardless of status or circumstance. "Stoppeth his ears" vividly portrays a deliberate act of disengagement and willful ignorance, a conscious choice to shut out a desperate appeal. The object of this indifference is "the cry of the poor," emphasizing the urgent, often desperate, nature of their need. This phrase underscores that the issue is not accidental oversight but a hardened heart that actively refuses to acknowledge suffering.
* **"he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard":** This second clause presents the inevitable and reciprocal consequence of the initial action. The person who demonstrates indifference will, in their own time of distress, "cry himself," experiencing a similar desperation and need for help. However, their cries will be met with the very same indifference they showed: they "shall not be heard." This highlights a profound principle of divine justice where the punishment perfectly fits the crime, mirroring the original offense with chilling precision and underscoring the self-inflicted nature of their isolation.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 21:13 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful and convicting message. The most prominent device is **Cause and Effect Parallelism**, where the first clause (the act of stopping one's ears to the poor) directly and inevitably leads to the consequence described in the second clause (crying out and not being heard). This structure emphasizes the direct and inescapable link between action and retribution within God's moral order. **Metaphor** is vividly present in the phrase "stoppeth his ears," which serves as a powerful image for willful indifference and a closed, unfeeling heart, rather than merely a literal physical act. The "cry of the poor" also functions as a **Metonymy**, standing in for their entire state of suffering, need, and desperate appeal. Furthermore, the proverb utilizes **Irony**, as the one who refuses to offer a listening ear will ultimately find themselves in a situation where their own pleas for help are met with chilling silence. This ironic reversal underscores the inherent moral balance of the universe as understood by the wisdom tradition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 21:13 is deeply rooted in the biblical theology of justice and compassion, reflecting the very character of God as the unwavering defender of the poor and oppressed. Throughout the Old Testament, God consistently identifies with the vulnerable, commanding His people to care for them as a fundamental expression of their covenant relationship with Him. The Law of Moses is replete with statutes protecting the poor, widows, and orphans, emphasizing that neglecting them is tantamount to neglecting God Himself. The prophets, from Isaiah to Amos, vehemently denounced social injustice and the exploitation of the poor, declaring such actions as a direct affront to divine righteousness and a betrayal of the covenant. This proverb, therefore, is not merely a piece of practical advice but a profound theological statement about the moral order of the universe, where God's justice ensures that callousness toward the needy will ultimately rebound upon the perpetrator. It underscores that true piety and genuine spiritual vitality are inextricably linked to practical compassion and active social responsibility.

* [Deuteronomy 15:7-8](/deuteronomy/15-7-8 "Deuteronomy 15:7-8 - Open Your Hand to the Needy")
* [James 2:15-16](/james/2-15-16 "James 2:15-16 - Faith Without Works Is Dead")
* [Matthew 25:41-45](/matthew/25-41-45 "Matthew 25:41-45 - Judgment of the Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 21:13 serves as a timeless and convicting mirror, challenging believers to conduct a profound examination of their hearts and actions concerning those in need. In a world saturated with information, where images and stories of suffering are constantly available through various media, it is alarmingly easy to "stop our ears" by becoming desensitized, overwhelmed, or simply choosing to ignore the pervasive cries for help. This proverb calls for more than passive awareness; it demands active listening and a compassionate, tangible response. It compels us to move beyond mere sympathy to genuine empathy that translates into concrete action, whether through personal generosity, advocating for justice in systemic issues, supporting organizations that serve the marginalized, or simply offering a listening ear and practical help to a struggling neighbor. Ultimately, this proverb profoundly reminds us that our spiritual vitality, the authenticity of our faith, and the very efficacy of our own prayers are intrinsically linked to our willingness to hear and respond to the cries of the vulnerable, for God Himself hears the cry of the oppressed and expects His children to do the same.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways might I be "stopping my ears" to the cries of the poor or suffering in my immediate community or the wider world today?**
* **What are the particular "cries of the poor" that I am most likely to ignore or dismiss, and what underlying reasons might contribute to this oversight?**
* **How do my personal budget, the allocation of my time, and my overall lifestyle choices reflect my willingness (or unwillingness) to hear and respond to the genuine needs of others?**
* **Considering the proverb's sobering warning, what practical, actionable steps can I commit to taking in order to cultivate a more responsive, empathetic, and compassionate heart towards the marginalized?**

### FAQ
**Does this proverb mean God will literally ignore my prayers if I don't help the poor?**

Answer: While Proverbs often expresses profound principles in stark, cause-and-effect terms, this verse should be understood as a powerful statement about divine justice and the spiritual consequences of a hardened heart, rather than a rigid, transactional formula for prayer. It highlights a core moral principle within God's economy: those who show no mercy may, by divine design, receive no mercy (cf. [James 2:13](/james/2-13 "James 2:13 - Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment")). God is sovereign and hears all prayers, but a heart that is willfully indifferent to human suffering may find itself profoundly out of alignment with God's compassionate character, potentially hindering its communion with Him and the reception of His grace. The proverb emphasizes that our relationship with God is inextricably linked to our relationship with our neighbor, especially the vulnerable.

**Is this proverb a literal promise or a general principle?**

Answer: Like many proverbs, Proverbs 21:13 functions as a general principle of wisdom and a trajectory of moral consequence, rather than a literal, ironclad promise that will manifest in every single instance. It describes a profound spiritual reality and a predictable outcome for a life characterized by callousness. While not every individual who neglects the poor will face an exact, mirrored crisis where their own cries go unheard, the proverb warns of a deeper spiritual consequence: a life characterized by indifference often leads to isolation, a lack of genuine support in times of personal need, and a diminished capacity to experience and extend God's grace. It powerfully reflects the biblical teaching that "whatever one sows, that will he also reap" ([Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")).

**How does this proverb relate to systemic poverty, not just individual acts of charity?**

Answer: While the proverb speaks directly to individual responsibility and action, its implications extend profoundly to systemic issues. The "cry of the poor" often arises not only from individual misfortune but also from oppressive structures, unjust policies, and pervasive societal neglect. A truly comprehensive and compassionate response, therefore, involves not only individual acts of charity but also advocating for justice, challenging oppressive systems, and working towards policies that uplift the marginalized and dismantle structures of injustice. "Stopping one's ears" can manifest not just in ignoring an individual beggar, but in remaining silent about unjust economic practices, discriminatory policies, or societal apathy that perpetuate poverty. The biblical call to justice, seen throughout the prophets (e.g., [Isaiah 1:17](/isaiah/1-17 "Isaiah 1:17 - Seek Justice, Correct Oppression")), demands engagement with both individual and systemic expressions of need and suffering.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 21:13 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb issues a dire warning against those who stop their ears to the cry of the poor, Jesus is the very embodiment of the One who always heard and responded to every cry of human need. His earthly ministry was a continuous demonstration of profound compassion: He healed the sick ([Matthew 8:16](/matthew/8-16 "Matthew 8:16 - Jesus Heals Many")), fed the hungry multitudes ([Mark 6:35-44](/mark/6-35-44 "Mark 6:35-44 - Feeding the Five Thousand")), cast out demons ([Luke 4:40-41](/luke/4-40-41 "Luke 4:40-41 - Jesus Heals Many")), and embraced the marginalized. Jesus consistently demonstrated a heart wide open to the suffering of humanity, actively hearing the "cry of the poor"—whether it was the literally impoverished, the spiritually destitute, or those crying out for deliverance from sin and sickness. Moreover, Jesus Himself, in His ultimate act of self-giving love, cried out on the cross, experiencing a profound sense of abandonment as He bore the sin of the world ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")). Yet, this very cry, this ultimate act of self-emptying and suffering, was the divine answer to humanity's deepest cry for redemption. Through His perfect sacrifice, Jesus became the ultimate response to our spiritual poverty, ensuring that when we cry out to Him in faith, we are always heard and answered with abundant grace and salvation ([Romans 10:13](/romans/10-13 "Romans 10:13 - Call on the Name of the Lord")). He now calls His followers to emulate His example, to be those who, like Him, have ears open to the cries of the world and hearts ready to respond with Christ-like love and tangible action ([1 John 3:17-18](/1_john/3-17-18 "1 John 3:17-18 - Love in Action")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 28:27

¶ He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

Proverbs 1:28

Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:

Matthew 6:14

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

James 2:13

For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

James 2:16

And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be [ye] warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what [doth it] profit?

Matthew 7:2

For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

Isaiah 58:6

[Is] not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?