Poor being oppressed

He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor. (Proverbs 14:31)

Everywhere the poor are oppressed. Even Christians oppress the poor in their business dealings. We are not generous in giving a few more rupees to the street vendors but try to bargain with them and deprive them of their profits. Our actions result in reproaching their Maker whom we worship in our churches. Our worship loses its meaning if we reproach the Maker of the poor.

If we honour God, then we have mercy on the poor. Our mercy towards the poor should come from a heart which loves God and obeys His commandments. Children of the world who do not love and honour God have in fact no mercy on the poor. They do charity with a selfish motive.

Wicked versus righteous

The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.(Proverbs 14:32)

The wicked perishes in his wickedness at the end. There is no salvation for the wicked who rejects God. But the righteous who are made righteous through the blood of Jesus Christ have everlasting hope after their physical death.

Righteousness exalting nation

Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. (Proverbs 14:34)

The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame. (Proverbs 14:35)

If a public servant is wise in his work by virtue of his integrity, he or she finds favor in the sight of the ruler. But if he or she indulges in acts of corruption or unrighteousness, the ruler punishes him or her by way of punitive action which brings shame to him or her.