Book of Proverbs - Chapter 21 - Verse 13

This verse from the book of Proverbs serves as a cautionary reminder about the importance of showing compassion and helping those in need. It emphasizes that those who ignore the cries of the poor or refuse to offer assistance will one day find themselves in a similar situation, where they are in desperate need of help but will not receive it. The verse highlights the idea of reciprocity and the spiritual principle that what you sow, you will also reap. By turning a deaf ear to the suffering of others, one ultimately closes themselves off from receiving help and compassion in return. It serves as a call to action for individuals to be attentive to the needs of the less fortunate and to extend a helping hand whenever possible, knowing that one day they may find themselves in need of similar support.

In this verse, the concept of reciprocity is explored in the realm of aiding the poor. The act of ignoring or turning away from the cry of the poor is portrayed as leading to a similar fate for oneself – crying out for help but not being heard. This can be seen as a theological reflection of the general principle of reaping what one sows. The text conveys a message of compassion and empathy towards those in need, highlighting the importance of responding to the needs of the marginalized and vulnerable in society. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the interconnectedness of humanity and the responsibility to care for one another. A word study on this verse may delve into the meaning of terms such as "cry" and "poor" in their original contexts to further illuminate the message and significance of the verse.