Proverbs 28:3 - Printer Friendly

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.

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).

Proverbs 28:1–12 uses multiple contrasts. These teach lessons about righteousness and justice, honesty, integrity, reputation, and culture. Many of the proverbs are structured to directly compare two opposite ideas.

This passage features many direct contrasts. The lessons are attributed to Solomon, later compiled into the Book of Proverbs by men under king Hezekiah (Proverbs 25:1). Common themes in this chapter are work ethic, generosity, fairness, and reputation. Comments on rulers or leaders make up many of the teachings recorded in this section.

This continues a list compiled by Hezekiah's men, recording proverbs associated with Solomon (Proverbs 25:1). The collection continues until the end of chapter 29. The lessons in this passage repeat teachings on generosity and the dangers of greed, as well as the damage done by wicked rulers.

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.

Accessed 5/1/2024 2:04:06 PM