Oppression is Reproach

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

The pagan “reproaches” (2778a) God, who is the “Maker” (6213a) of all.  A sin of oppression is not just against the poor, but also against God.  If you love Jesus you need to understand how serious it is to be an oppressor.  “Reproach” is a common enough word but I have not heard it used much today.  It means to correct with contempt.  It is an insult combined with a feeling of superiority.  When we take unfair advantage of the poor we are spiting on God.  God is not surpised when He gets this treatment from a post-modern pagan, but I think His wrath is kindled when it comes from those who are part of His church. 

Our world is constantly mocking God by denying who He is and what He has spoken to us.  Christians are constantly belittled in the media.  I was reading a mystery the other day and I guessed at who the villain was early in the book.  It was the one who went to church and acted spiritual.  I see this regularly.  Remember that this warning applies to the world as well as the church.  God is the “Maker” (6213a) of both.

Remember that this warning applies to areas other than oppression.  When we abandon the standards God has given us we are heaping reproach on Him.

So?  Examine your life and repent if you find need of it.  Renew your commitment to be faithful to your calling.