Proverbs 22:22 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Do not rob the poor, because he is poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate,

NIV: Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court,

NASB: Do not rob the poor because he is poor, Nor crush the needy at the gate;

CSB: Don’t rob a poor person because he is poor, and don’t crush the oppressed at the city gate,

NLT: Don’t rob the poor just because you can, or exploit the needy in court.

KJV: Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:

NKJV: Do not rob the poor because he is poor, Nor oppress the afflicted at the gate;

Again, Solomon champions the cause of the poor and the oppressed (Proverbs 14:31; 19:17; 22:16). The poor alluded to in this verse are the feeble, weak, helpless members of society. The concept includes more than merely finances; anyone suffering from undeserved disadvantage would be part of this "poor" group. Of course, the disadvantaged are exactly those on whom wicked people prey. They could easily take from the poor what little they had.

Throughout the Old Testament references to a city's gate identify it as the place where legal matters were tried and decided (Deuteronomy 22:15; Ruth 4:11). Genesis 34:20 marks it as the place where business was transacted. Parents could take a stubborn, rebellious son to their city's gate for sentencing (Deuteronomy 21:18–21). Amos 5:15 identifies the gate as the place where justice was established. Powerful people can take advantage of bribery, lies, manipulations, and underhanded tactics to win cases against the defenseless. Scripture soundly condemns such evil; the rich and powerful are charged with caring for others, not exploiting them.

The poor and disadvantaged should be treated with respect, dignity, compassion, and fairness. Those who violate the rights of the weak can expect consequences (Proverbs 22:23).

Proverbs 22:22–29 begins Solomon's collection of thirty wise sayings. First, he presents a series of negative commands; chapter 22 ends with the first five collected teachings. These warnings touch on proper treatment of the disadvantaged, relationships, loans, boundary lines, and work ethic.

This chapter completes a long string of wise sayings attributed to Solomon (Proverbs 10:1). He notes that reputation and godliness are far better than money. He also notes that godly wisdom keeps a person from various dangers. Loving parents use proper discipline to instill wisdom in their children. The last portion of the chapter introduces a new passage, made up of thirty wise teachings which Solomon endorses. This string of advice continues into chapter 24.

This chapter is the last of the second division of the book, including all of chapters 10—21. This section includes some 375 verses, mostly in paired lines. Chapter 22 completes these statements, then introduces a collection of thirty wise sayings endorsed by Solomon. The first five are negative commands, warning to avoid certain vices. Chapter 23 continues with more sayings of advice.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.