Link Proverbs 22:22 to Jesus' love teachings.
How does Proverbs 22:22 connect with Jesus' teachings on loving our neighbor?

Setting the Verse

Proverbs 22:22: “Do not rob a poor man because he is poor, and do not crush the afflicted at the gate.”


What the Proverb Teaches

• Robbing or exploiting the poor is forbidden, no matter how easy or profitable it may seem.

• “The gate” refers to the place of justice in ancient cities; crushing the afflicted there means perverting justice against those with no social leverage.

• The next verse (Proverbs 22:23) adds the reason: “for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them.” God Himself becomes advocate and avenger for the vulnerable.


Jesus Expands the Same Theme

Matthew 22:39–40: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments.”

Luke 10:30-37 (Good Samaritan): Jesus illustrates neighbor-love by showing mercy to a beaten man when others ignored him.

Matthew 7:12: “In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you, for this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.”

Matthew 25:40: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.”

James 2:1-6 echoes both Proverbs and Jesus: favoritism toward the rich and oppression of the poor violate the royal law of love.


How Both Passages Fit Together

• Same foundation: God values every person, so mistreating the weak offends Him.

• Proverbs states the negative—do not rob or crush; Jesus states the positive—actively love and serve.

• Both reveal God’s protective heart: He defends the poor (Proverbs 22:23) and identifies with them (Matthew 25:40).

• Justice and mercy are inseparable: refusing injustice is part of loving our neighbor, and practical compassion fulfills the command.

• Divine accountability: Proverbs warns of God’s judgment; Jesus reiterates it in Matthew 25:45-46.


Practical Takeaways

• Examine business, legal, and personal practices to be sure no one is being “crushed at the gate.”

• Shift from mere avoidance of harm to proactive generosity—meeting needs like the Good Samaritan.

• Treat every interaction—whether with clients, employees, or strangers—as service to Christ Himself.

• Resist favoritism; honor the dignity of those society often overlooks.

• Trust God’s promise that He will defend the vulnerable and reward those who love them.


Living the Connection Today

By refusing to exploit the poor (Proverbs 22:22) and by actively loving our neighbor (Jesus’ command), believers mirror God’s own character—righteous, compassionate, and just.

What does Proverbs 22:22 teach about God's view on justice for the oppressed?
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