Proverbs 14:31 (NKJV) — 31 He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, But he who honors Him has mercy on the needy.

The right attitude toward God and the poor. God takes note of the way people treat each other. This is why His Word repeatedly warns against the sin of respecting of persons (prejudice or favoritism). The second greatest commandment is to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31). The commandment applies regardless of the economic status of one’s neighbors; in fact, it is especially important to help people who are in need. Thus, it is a reproach to God to oppress the poor, which includes taking advantage of them or imposing unreasonable and unjust requirements on them. The person who honors God will demonstrate it by being merciful to the poor. The ideal way to help them is on a personal, individual basis.

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