Proverbs 23:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: for their Redeemer is strong; he will plead their cause against you.

NIV: for their Defender is strong; he will take up their case against you.

NASB: For their Redeemer is strong; He will plead their case against you.

CSB: for their Redeemer is strong, and he will champion their cause against you.

NLT: For their Redeemer is strong; he himself will bring their charges against you.

KJV: For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.

NKJV: For their Redeemer is mighty; He will plead their cause against you.

The prior verse began a warning about cheating people out of land, making specific reference to disadvantaged persons (Proverbs 23:10). This is part of a collection of thirty wise sayings endorsed by Solomon (Proverbs 22:17–21). Here, the warning is completed with a reminder that God advocates for those weak in the world's eyes (Deuteronomy 10:18; Proverbs 22:22–23).

This Scripture refers to a "Redeemer," using a Hebrew term associated with a family member's obligation to care for a destitute relative (Ruth 4:6). Since other passages indicate that God, Himself, is in favor of the poor, it's reasonable to see this as a reference to the Lord, Himself. Deuteronomy 10:18 says, "He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing." Psalm 10:17–18 states, "O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more."

In the book of Ruth, we read about Boaz, Naomi's relative, who took the role of a kinsman redeemer to buy Naomi's field and marry her daughter-in-law Ruth (Ruth 4:7–10). As the Redeemer of the fatherless, the Lord opposes those who maltreat them.

Proverbs 23:1–11 continues a set of wise sayings recorded by Solomon (Proverbs 22:17–21). This passage contains many wise sayings framed mainly as negative commands: beginning with the words, "Do not." These statements are longer than the succinct suggestions which make up most of the book of Proverbs. Solomon addresses matters such as cautious skepticism towards one's host, avoiding addiction to work, and integrity before both men and God.

This portion of wise sayings (Proverbs 22:17–21) starts with the sixth of thirty mentioned in chapter 22. These include advice on presenting oneself well to a host, while not being unduly influenced by such hospitality. The passage also speaks on the right time to share wisdom, ethics, discipline, and the joys associated with godly children. Also included are warnings about relationships and those who lack self-control. The chapter ends with the Bible's most strident warning about the dangers of alcohol abuse; this is the eighteenth of the thirty promised teachings.

This chapter continues Solomon's collection of the sayings of wise men (Proverbs 22:17–21). These lessons continue through Proverbs 24:34. Here, Solomon addresses his "son," perhaps meaning a student, with warnings about money, gluttony, speaking in the company of a fool, dishonesty, withholding discipline from a child, keeping company with drunkards, and the abuse of alcohol. The description of alcohol's risks is the most extensive such caution given in Scripture.

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.