Careful Who You Mock

Proverbs 17:1-20

Mixed throughout the book of Proverbs are a number of profound statements that deserve our close attention. We encounter one of such passage today. “Those who mock the poor insult their Maker” (Proverbs 17:5a), we read.

There is no mystery who “the Maker” is; it is God, the Creator of heaven and earth. To mock the poor, then, is an offense to the one who has made all people, including those who suffer from want. To scoff at or demean those in need is like holding up a part of God’s good creation for derision. But what constitutes mocking, scoffing, or demeaning? Is it only when we laugh and point at the less fortunate in our midst that we are objectionable to God? I don’t think so. Mocking the poor is a far more pervasive activity. It happens when we create systems that keep the poor from advancing. It happens when we stereotype those in need as “lazy” or “worthless.” It happens when we make assumptions about what the poor want or need based on our own preferences.

Years ago the elementary school my children attended considered establishing a uniform dress code. One of the claims made at the time was that students faced ridicule based on the quality of their clothing and that uniforms would put all children on an equal footing. This was a noble goal, yet the proposed list of stores where uniforms could be purchased included some of the more exclusive shops in the area, the sort of places poorer families could not afford to go. And while a clothing closet was also proposed––as a source hand-me-downs at the school––the assumption was that children would not recognize the difference between expensive items of clothing on the one hand, and those being worn by a second or third student on the other. I believe that children, especially the older ones, would have quickly noted the distinction, and while I’m sure this was not intended as mockery the effect would not have been what was sought; the underlying problem would have remained. A truly fair policy would have stipulated that all clothing come from the same source. But even well-meaning families with some means would have objected to this provision as limiting their freedom of choice.

The fact is that poverty is not a simple issue to address, but it should not be so readily overlooked either. When we refuse to address the plight of others we are insulting God who is their Maker.

Prayer: Lord, help us all to understand the needs of others and to respond to them with the same grace and love that you give so freely to us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.