What is the meaning of Proverbs 22:22? Do not rob a poor man because he is poor “Do not rob a poor man because he is poor…” (Proverbs 22:22) • The verse begins with a flat prohibition. God knows the temptation to take advantage of those who lack resources or influence. • Scripture consistently portrays the poor as precious to the Lord. “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him” (Proverbs 14:31). • Theft here is not only the blatant taking of property; it includes unfair wages, rigged prices, or any scheme that siphons what little someone has (Leviticus 19:13; James 5:4). • The motive—“because he is poor”—exposes a heart that preys on vulnerability. God sees that motive and condemns it. • In Exodus 22:25–27 the Lord warns Israel that if they lend to the poor they must not act like creditors charging interest. The same protective heart is on display in Proverbs 22:22. • Jesus amplifies the principle: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me” (Matthew 25:40). Abuse of the poor is ultimately an offense against Christ Himself. and do not crush the afflicted at the gate “…and do not crush the afflicted at the gate,” (Proverbs 22:22) • “The gate” was the courtroom of the ancient city, where elders judged disputes (Ruth 4:1–2). To “crush” at the gate means using legal power to grind down the already hurting. • God requires justice without partiality. “Do not pervert justice; do not show favoritism to the poor or favoritism to the great” (Leviticus 19:15). • Cross references underline His stance: – Deuteronomy 27:19: “Cursed is he who denies justice to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow.” – Isaiah 10:1–2: “Woe to those who enact unjust statutes… to deprive the oppressed of justice.” • The Lord defends those who have no defender. Psalm 72:4 declares the Messiah “will vindicate the afflicted among the people; He will save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor.” • James 2:1–7 rebukes early believers for favoring the rich in the assembly. The warning echoes Solomon: never side with power against the powerless. summary Proverbs 22:22 calls for unwavering honesty and compassion. God forbids exploiting poverty or manipulating courts to harm the already afflicted. He watches over the vulnerable, and those who honor Him must do the same—treating the poor with integrity, ensuring justice at every gate, and reflecting the character of the righteous Judge who shows no partiality. |
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