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Proverbs 28:3
ESV A poor man who oppresses the poor is a beating rain that leaves no food.
NIV A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.
NASB A poor man who oppresses the helpless Is like a driving rain which leaves no food.
CSB A destitute leader who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food.
NLT A poor person who oppresses the poor is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops.
KJV A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
NKJV A poor man who oppresses the poor Is like a driving rain which leaves no food.

What does Proverbs 28:3 mean?

Rain can nourish crops, but a harsh, beating rain can flood a field or mangle plants. What should have been a good thing becomes a curse. In a similar way, those who are poor could work for one another's mutual benefit. When one of those persons abuses the other, instead, there is great harm. Some commentators suggest this proverb is meant to express what happens when a formerly poor ruler forgets his humble origins and takes advantage of the people. In either case, those being oppressed could be friends or allies of the oppressor, if they were to act righteously.

The New Testament provides an example of this attitude. Jesus relates a parable about an unforgiving servant: a man who begs his master to forgive his debt, then cruelly assaults another servant who owes him money (Matthew 18:23–35).
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