God’s Word for Today

24 Apr, 2025

22 Do not rob the poor, because he is poor,

or crush the afflicted at the gate,

23 for the LORD will plead their cause

and rob of life those who rob them.

-Prov 22:22-23 ESV

DO NOT EXPLOIT THE POOR

Again, this proverb emphasizes the care of the feeble, weak, helpless members of society. (Proverbs 14:31; 19:17; 22:16). These disadvantaged people are easy prey from wicked people. They could easily manipulate the poor and get what little they had.

They did it at the city gates. City gate is the place where legal matters were tried and decided (Deu 22:15; Ruth 4:11). It is also the place where business was transacted.[Gen 34:20] Parents could take their rebellious son to the city gate for sentencing (Deut 21:18–21). The prophet Amos identifies the gate as the place where justice was established. [Amos 5:15] it is sad that powerful people can take advantage by using bribery, lies, manipulations, and underhanded tactics to win cases against the defenseless. Definitely, scripture speaks against such evil. Supposedly, 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 dire consequences. The LORD will plead their cause and rob of life those who rob them (v:23). James writes that the cries of the poor laborers "have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts" (Jas 5:4).

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