In Proverbs 21:13, Solomon returns to a familiar principle taught throughout the Word of God–the principle of “Sowing and Reaping”.
Proverbs 21:13 – “Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.”
In his letter to Christians in ancient Galatia, the apostle Paul wrote a timeless principle for humanity: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).
The principle of “Sowing and Reaping” is a universal law illustrated in nature and every endeavor of man. In agriculture, a farmer sows the seeds of a crop he intends to reap in the time of harvest. Corn seed bring forth stalks of corn that bear ears of corn. Wheat seeds sprout stalks that inevitably bear golden heads of grain. The union of male and female in nature will produce one like themselves. Galatians 6:8 moves the principle of “Sowing and Reaping” to the spiritual realm and admonishes–Give liberty to your sensual, lustful desires and you will reap the consequences of sin (Romans 6:23); pursue that which is right and just and you will bear fruit of the same in your life.
Proverbs 21:13 expands the principle of “Sowing and Reaping” to interpersonal relationships and is an exhortation concerning the matter of charity.
Proverbs 21:13 – “Whoso stoppeth [close; shut up] his ears [hearing] at the cry [shriek; cry of distress] of the poor [needy; weak; helpless], he also shall cry [callout] himself, but shall not be heard [answered; respond to].”
Solomon taught his son a lesson we should all hear and heed: Turn a deaf ear to the cry of the poor and needy and you may one day find yourself crying for help, but no one will be close enough to hear your cry or answer your plea.
I close with Paul’s promise and challenge to all believers:
Galatians 6:9-10 – “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith [fellow brothers and sisters in Christ].”
Copyright 2014 – Travis D. Smith