Those who mock the poor insult their Maker;
those who are glad at calamity will not go unpunished.

Proverbs 17:5

Even though we know what we should do, sometimes we need to have the reasons for good (Christian) behavior rehearsed as a reminder.

“Treat all people well.” That’s advice that has probably come from a grandparent, parent, pastor, or teacher at some point in our lives.

“Don’t be rude to the people you meet.” Again, many of the good influences in our lives get the credit for the lessons we have learned about manners and hospitality.

“Don’t mock the poor, or you will be insulting their Maker.” Proverbs strikes again!

Being polite to those who are poor is part of what we have learned about how we should treat everyone. Proverbs takes this a step further. Everyone was made in the image of God. We may be tempted to value some people for the value that our society places on them. And when we discount folks, or when we mock them for what they don’t have, we have not just been rude to them, we have insulted the very God who made them, who claims them as children, and who loves them.

I’d prefer not to insult their Maker (and my Maker) today.

Prayer

Dear God, give me what a songwriter once described as “My Father’s eyes”, so that I can see the value in everyone You made, and treat them as Christ treated us. Amen.