Whosoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
All Commentaries on Proverbs 21:13 Go To Proverbs 21
Cyril of Alexandria
AD 444
Do you not agree that poverty, as I said, is more cruel than any beast of prey? Therefore you must aid those who are fallen under it. Incline your ear to the poor and listen to them, as it is written: “For he who stops his ears that he may not hear the feeble shall also cry, and there shall be none to listen.” Give so that you may receive; hear so that you may be heard; sow the little you have so that you may reap much. Besides, the pleasure of the body is short and temporary and ends in rottenness. But almsgiving and charity to the poor crown those who practice them with glory from God and lead to that incorruptible happiness which Christ bestows on those who love him. Commentary on Luke, Homily
