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Proverbs 21:13 Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer.
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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/21.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/21.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be heard.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />One who shuts his ear to the outcry of the poor Will also call out himself, and not be answered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be answered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be answered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />He who shuts his ear to the outcry of the poor Will himself also call and not be answered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Whoever shuts his ears at the cry of the poor Will cry out himself and not be answered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will himself also call out and not be answered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will himself also call out and not be answered. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, He also shall cry, but shall not be heard.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />If you won't help the poor, don't expect to be heard when you cry out for help. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry, but shall not be heard.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Whoever shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will call and not be answered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />If you refuse to listen to the cry of the poor, your own cry for help will not be heard. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever refuses to hear the cry of the poor will also cry himself, but he won't be answered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The one who shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and will not be answered. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he will also cry out, but shall not be heard.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Whoever stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he will also cry out, but shall not be heard. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever is shutting his ear from the cry of the poor, "" He also cries, and is not answered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Whoso is shutting his ear from the cry of the poor, He also doth cry, and is not answered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />He stopping his ear from the cry of the poor one also himself shall call and shall not be answered.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He that stoppeth his ear against the cry of the poor, shall also cry himself and shall not be heard. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Whoever blocks his ears to the outcry of the poor shall also cry out himself, and he will not be heeded.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Those who shut their ears to the cry of the poor will themselves call out and not be answered. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />If you close your ear to the cry of the poor, you will cry out and not be heard.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He who closes his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry to God, but he shall not answer him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He that shuts his ears that he will not hear the poor, he also will call out to God, and he will not answer him.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, He also shall cry himself, but shall not be answered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />He that stops his ears from hearing the poor, himself also shall cry, and there shall be none to hear <i>him</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/21-13.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=4238" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/21.htm">The King's Heart</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">12</span>The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin. <span class="reftext">13</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/331.htm" title="331: ’ō·ṭêm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To shut, shut up. A primitive root; to close; by analology to contract.">Whoever shuts</a> <a href="/hebrew/241.htm" title="241: ’ā·zə·nōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- An ear. From 'azan; broadness. I.e. the ear.">his ears</a> <a href="/hebrew/2201.htm" title="2201: miz·za·‘ă·qaṯ- (Prep-m:: N-fsc) -- A cry, outcry. And zoaqah; from za'aq; a shriek or outcry.">to the cry</a> <a href="/hebrew/1800.htm" title="1800: dāl (Adj-msc) -- Dangling, weak, thin. From dalal; properly, dangling, i.e. weak or thin.">of the poor,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">he</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">too</a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: yiq·rā (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">shall cry out</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: yê·‘ā·neh (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- To answer, respond.">and receive no answer.</a> </span><span class="reftext">14</span>A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-13.htm">James 2:13</a></span><br />For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-41.htm">Matthew 25:41-46</a></span><br />Then He will say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. / For I was hungry and you gave Me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink, / I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, I was naked and you did not clothe Me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after Me.’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-38.htm">Luke 6:38</a></span><br />Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-17.htm">1 John 3:17</a></span><br />If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-2.htm">Matthew 7:2</a></span><br />For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/16-19.htm">Luke 16:19-31</a></span><br />Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor. / And a beggar named Lazarus lay at his gate, covered with sores / and longing to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/58-6.htm">Isaiah 58:6-7</a></span><br />Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? / Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/15-7.htm">Deuteronomy 15:7-11</a></span><br />If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, then you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. / Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs. / Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought in your heart: “The seventh year, the year of release, is near,” so that you look upon your poor brother begrudgingly and give him nothing. He will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-17.htm">Proverbs 19:17</a></span><br />Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-7.htm">Matthew 5:7</a></span><br />Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7-10</a></span><br />Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. / The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. / Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/41-1.htm">Psalm 41:1</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Blessed is the one who cares for the poor; the LORD will deliver him in the day of trouble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/18-12.htm">Ezekiel 18:12-13</a></span><br />He oppresses the poor and needy; he commits robbery and does not restore a pledge. He lifts his eyes to idols; he commits abominations. / He engages in usury and takes excess interest. Will this son live? He will not! Since he has committed all these abominations, he will surely die; his blood will be on his own head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/31-16.htm">Job 31:16-23</a></span><br />If I have denied the desires of the poor or allowed the widow’s eyes to fail, / if I have eaten my morsel alone, not sharing it with the fatherless— / though from my youth I reared him as would a father, and from my mother’s womb I guided the widow— ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17</a></span><br />Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.</p><p class="hdg">stoppeth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/58-4.htm">Psalm 58:4</a></b></br> Their poison <i>is</i> like the poison of a serpent: <i>they are</i> like the deaf adder <i>that</i> stoppeth her ear;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/zechariah/7-11.htm">Zechariah 7:11</a></b></br> But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/7-57.htm">Acts 7:57</a></b></br> Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,</p><p class="hdg">at</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/28-27.htm">Proverbs 28:27</a></b></br> He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/15-7.htm">Deuteronomy 15:7-11</a></b></br> If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/5-1.htm">Nehemiah 5:1-5,13</a></b></br> And there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brethren the Jews… </p><p class="hdg">cry himself</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/1-28.htm">Proverbs 1:28</a></b></br> Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/18-41.htm">Psalm 18:41</a></b></br> They cried, but <i>there was</i> none to save <i>them: even</i> unto the LORD, but he answered them not.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/13-25.htm">Luke 13:25</a></b></br> When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Closes</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-2.htm">Cry</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-12.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-12.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-8.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-22.htm">Help</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-14.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Shuts</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Shutting</a> <a href="/psalms/107-42.htm">Stopped</a> <a href="/psalms/107-42.htm">Stoppeth</a> <a href="/psalms/107-42.htm">Stops</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/28-27.htm">Closes</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-15.htm">Cry</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-17.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-9.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-16.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-11.htm">Help</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-17.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-27.htm">Shuts</a> <a href="/isaiah/22-22.htm">Shutting</a> <a href="/songs/4-12.htm">Stopped</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-10.htm">Stoppeth</a> <a href="/isaiah/24-8.htm">Stops</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">The king's heart in the hand of the Lord</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the moral responsibility to respond to the needs of the impoverished. In ancient Israel, the Law of Moses included numerous provisions for the care of the poor, such as leaving gleanings in the fields (<a href="/leviticus/19-9.htm">Leviticus 19:9-10</a>) and the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25). The cultural context of the time placed a strong emphasis on community and mutual support, reflecting God's heart for justice and mercy. Ignoring the plight of the poor was seen as a violation of God's commands and a failure to reflect His character. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus teaches about caring for "the least of these" (<a href="/matthew/25-40.htm">Matthew 25:40</a>).<p><b>he too shall cry out and receive no answer</b><br>This part of the verse warns of divine retribution for those who ignore the needy. The principle of sowing and reaping is a recurring theme in Scripture (<a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7</a>). The idea is that God will treat individuals as they have treated others, a concept also found in the parable of the unmerciful servant (<a href="/matthew/18-23.htm">Matthew 18:23-35</a>). The historical context suggests that in times of distress, such as famine or invasion, those who had previously ignored the cries of the poor would find themselves in similar situations, crying out for help but receiving none. This reflects the justice of God, who is attentive to the cries of the oppressed and expects His people to act likewise.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_poor.htm">The Poor</a></b><br>This refers to individuals who are in need or lack resources. In the biblical context, the poor are often seen as those who are vulnerable and require assistance from others.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_one_who_shuts_his_ears.htm">The One Who Shuts His Ears</a></b><br>This person represents individuals who ignore or refuse to help those in need. The act of shutting one's ears symbolizes a deliberate choice to be indifferent to the plight of others.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_cry.htm">The Cry</a></b><br>This is the plea or call for help from those who are suffering or in need. It is a call for compassion and assistance.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequence.htm">The Consequence</a></b><br>The event described is the reciprocal justice that occurs when the one who ignored the poor finds themselves in need and receives no help.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_compassion.htm">The Call to Compassion</a></b><br>As Christians, we are called to be compassionate and responsive to the needs of the poor. Ignoring their cries is contrary to the teachings of Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reciprocal_justice.htm">Reciprocal Justice</a></b><br>The principle of sowing and reaping is evident here. If we ignore others in their time of need, we may find ourselves without help when we are in need.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/active_faith.htm">Active Faith</a></b><br>Our faith should be demonstrated through our actions. Helping the poor is a tangible expression of our faith and love for God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/eternal_perspective.htm">Eternal Perspective</a></b><br>Our actions towards the poor have eternal implications. We are accountable to God for how we treat those in need.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_responsibility.htm">Community Responsibility</a></b><br>The church community should be a place where the needs of the poor are addressed. We are called to work together to support those who are less fortunate.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 21</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_hinders_effective_prayer.htm">What hinders effective prayer?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_words_show_kindness_and_truth.htm">How should we treat the poor among us?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_should_we_treat_the_poor_among_us.htm">How should we treat the poor among us?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_allow_injustice_to_persist.htm">In Psalm 94:9, it says God hears and sees all; why then do injustices appear to persist unchecked in our world?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(13) <span class= "bld">He also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.</span>--Because he showed no mercy. (Comp. <a href="/matthew/5-7.htm" title="Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.">Matthew 5:7</a>; <a href="/matthew/18-30.htm" title="And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.">Matthew 18:30</a>; <a href="/james/2-13.htm" title="For he shall have judgment without mercy, that has showed no mercy; and mercy rejoices against judgment.">James 2:13</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 13.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor.</span> A twofold retribution is threatened on the unmerciful man. <span class="cmt_word">He also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.</span> He himself shall tall into distress, and shall appeal to his neighbours for help in vain. "With the same measure that ye mete withal, it shall be measured to you again" (<a href="/luke/6-38.htm">Luke 6:38</a>). This is true also in spiritual matters and in the final judgment (see on Proverbs 14:21 and Proverbs 19:17; and comp. <a href="/matthew/18-28.htm">Matthew 18:28</a>, etc.; Matthew 25:41, etc.; <a href="/james/2-13.htm">James 2:13</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/21-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Whoever shuts</span><br /><span class="heb">אֹטֵ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·ṭêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_331.htm">Strong's 331: </a> </span><span class="str2">To close, to contract</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his ears</span><br /><span class="heb">אָ֭זְנוֹ</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·zə·nōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_241.htm">Strong's 241: </a> </span><span class="str2">Broadness, the ear</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the cry</span><br /><span class="heb">מִזַּעֲקַת־</span> <span class="translit">(miz·za·‘ă·qaṯ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2201.htm">Strong's 2201: </a> </span><span class="str2">A shriek, outcry</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the poor,</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּ֑ל</span> <span class="translit">(dāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1800.htm">Strong's 1800: </a> </span><span class="str2">Dangling, weak, thin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he</span><br /><span class="heb">ה֥וּא</span> <span class="translit">(hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">too</span><br /><span class="heb">גַּֽם־</span> <span class="translit">(gam-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> </span><span class="str2">Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and</span><br /><br /><span class="word">shall cry out</span><br /><span class="heb">יִ֝קְרָ֗א</span> <span class="translit">(yiq·rā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> </span><span class="str2">To call, proclaim, read</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and receive no answer.</span><br /><span class="heb">יֵעָנֶֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(yê·‘ā·neh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> </span><span class="str2">To answer, respond</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/21-13.htm">Proverbs 21:13 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/21-13.htm">Proverbs 21:13 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/21-13.htm">Proverbs 21:13 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/21-13.htm">Proverbs 21:13 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/21-13.htm">Proverbs 21:13 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/21-13.htm">Proverbs 21:13 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/21-13.htm">Proverbs 21:13 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/21-13.htm">Proverbs 21:13 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/21-13.htm">Proverbs 21:13 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/21-13.htm">Proverbs 21:13 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/21-13.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 21:13 Whoever stops his ears at the cry (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/21-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 21:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 21:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/21-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 21:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 21:14" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>