What does Proverbs 29:13 mean?

This lesson rephrases the basic idea given in Proverbs 22:2. A common theme found in the Bible is that all people are equally created as image-bearers of God (Genesis 1:27). That means the same moral expectations and the same need for God's influence. Here, the term "poor" refers directly to a lack of wealth, and the phrase translated "oppressor" implies an usurer: someone who charges excessive interest on a loan (Proverbs 28:8).

The world might see no connection between a destitute, weak man and a wealthy, powerful one. But they "meet together" in their common humanity and culpability before God (Romans 1:18–20). "Light" is a common biblical symbol for truth and goodness which ultimately comes only from the Lord (Psalm 4:6; 27:1; Proverbs 4:18; John 8:12; 2 Corinthians 4:6).

Paul told the Athenians at Mars Hill that the Lord of heaven and earth "gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us" (Acts 17:25–27). No one should discriminate against any of God's created peoples. Galatians 3:28 declares: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."