Proverbs 29:13 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The poor man and the oppressor meet together; the Lord gives light to the eyes of both.

NIV: The poor and the oppressor have this in common: The Lord gives sight to the eyes of both.

NASB: The poor person and the oppressor have this in common: The Lord gives light to the eyes of both.

CSB: The poor and the oppressor have this in common: the Lord gives light to the eyes of both.

NLT: The poor and the oppressor have this in common — the Lord gives sight to the eyes of both.

KJV: The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the Lord lighteneth both their eyes.

NKJV: The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The Lord gives light to the eyes of both.

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."

Proverbs 29:12–27 completes the collection of Solomon's wise sayings (Proverbs 25:21). This passage discusses various relationships. Common themes are interactions with government leaders, parental discipline, and authority figures. Solomon also makes comments about pride and the inherent conflict between righteousness and evil.

Much of this passage refers to negative consequences of unwise attitudes or behavior: stubbornness leads to brokenness. Lack of self-control brings shame. Ignorant, ungodly rulers spread sin and corruption. Pride leads to humiliation. Most of these statements follow the two-part pattern established elsewhere in the book of Proverbs. The final lesson summarizes the deep difference between those who are godly and those who pursue their own desires.

This concludes the collection of Solomon's proverbs which King Hezekiah's men collected (Proverbs 25:1). Like previous passages, chapter 29 contrasts wisdom and folly, the benefits of heeding God's law and the devastating consequences of disobeying it, and the blessings of righteousness compared to the curses of sin.

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.