Charles Ellicott Commentary Proverbs 14:31

"He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker; But he that hath mercy on the needy honoreth him." — Proverbs 14:31 (ASV)

Reproaches his Maker—For having placed him in such a lowly condition. The equality of all people, as all of them are the work of God, is taught by Genesis 1:27, Job 31:15, and Proverbs 22:2. The duty of aiding the poor is, in Matthew 25:40, based on the still higher ground of the union of Christ with His people, which makes Him regard good done to them as done to Himself.

But he that honors him...—This would be better rendered, but he that has mercy on the poor honors Him.