Here is a proverb that is a warning and a promise more than a proverb that needs deep thought and introspection. God is stating through Solomon a way that God interacts with people. Just as Jesus taught us to pray, “… forgive us our debts as we forgive those who sin against us…” here he states, “… if you shut your ear to the cry of the poor, then God won’t answer your cry…”
The fate of the rich man in Jesus’ parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus clearly backs up this parable. (Luke 16:19-31) So does the unmerciful servant in Jesus’ parable the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant. (Matthew 18:23-34) The unmerciful servant did not forgive the debt of his fellow servant even though the king relieved him of a great debt. “In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.” Jesus concluded the parable with this warning, “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.” (Matthew 18:21-35)
Lovingly helping the poor and forgiving those who mistreat and bully are similar. Do I treat others in love, especially those in need? Do I recognize that God does unto me as I have done unto others? For Jesus tells me, “… in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12; Luke 6:31) God is pleased with me when I do good to others and share with them too. (Hebrews 13:16)
