Proverbs 22:22 kjv

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

Proverbs 22:22 nkjv

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

Proverbs 22:22 niv

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

Proverbs 22:22 esv

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

Proverbs 22:22 nlt

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

Proverbs 22 verses

Proverbs 22 22 Meaning

This proverb sternly warns against the exploitation of the poor and the oppressed. It prohibits using their vulnerable status as an opportunity to defraud or take advantage of them, especially within legal or communal settings represented by "the gate." It is a call for justice, equity, and the protection of those who are weak and helpless.

Proverbs 22 22 Context

Proverbs chapter 22 falls within the section often titled "Sayings of the Wise" (22:17-24:34), distinct from the earlier Solomonic proverbs. This collection presents instructions rather than mere observations, emphasizing ethical conduct and practical righteousness for daily living. Verse 22:22 specifically addresses societal justice, particularly concerning the most vulnerable. Historically, "the gate" refers to the city gate, which was the central public square where legal proceedings, judicial rulings, business transactions, and public gatherings took place. Elders, judges, and city leaders convened there to administer justice. Therefore, "nor crush the afflicted at the gate" refers directly to abusing legal authority or manipulating the judicial system to exploit those who are already at a disadvantage due to poverty or affliction. The verse speaks against a profound corruption of justice, where those sworn to protect are instead agents of oppression.

Proverbs 22 22 Word analysis

• Do not rob: (תִּגְזֹל֙ - tiggzōl, from גָּזַל - gazal) Means to seize by violence, pluck off, take away forcibly or unlawfully. It denotes more than just stealing; it implies an aggressive, unjust taking from someone weaker. This suggests an abuse of power, not just a clandestine act of theft.
• the poor: (דַּל֙ - dal) Refers to someone who is weak, meager, lowly, or thin. It emphasizes their physical or material lack and vulnerability, making them easy targets for exploitation.
• because he is poor: This phrase highlights the malice and calculated nature of the act. The very reason for their vulnerability becomes the opportunity for the oppressor. It signifies an act devoid of compassion, capitalizing on misfortune.
• nor crush: (תְּדַכֵּא - t'dakkē, from דָּכָא - daka) Means to break in pieces, bruise, smite, oppress, or break the spirit. This is a severe form of oppression, implying not just physical harm or financial ruin but also spiritual or emotional devastation.
• the afflicted: (עָנִ֖י - ʿānî) Similar to dal, meaning poor, humble, meek, wretched, or suffering. It often connotes someone who is downtrodden and experiencing hardship, further emphasizing their vulnerable state. The pairing with dal ("poor") intensifies the description of those who are weak and helpless.
• at the gate: (בַּשַּׁ֣עַר - ba-sha'ar) Refers to the city gate, the seat of judgment and legal administration in ancient Israel. This specifies that the oppression being condemned is often perpetrated in judicial settings, where legal power is abused to dispossess the vulnerable. It underscores the corruption of justice.

Proverbs 22 22 Words-group by words-group analysis

• Do not rob the poor: This phrase addresses the illicit acquisition of property or resources from those least able to defend themselves. It points to a moral failure of greed and exploitation.
• because he is poor: This emphasizes the cruel irony of the exploitation—the very weakness that should elicit compassion is instead used as an advantage. It makes the act especially heinous, targeting vulnerability.
• nor crush the afflicted: This phrase signifies a more severe and devastating form of oppression. "Crush" indicates complete ruin, not just taking from someone, but breaking them entirely, whether financially, legally, or even spiritually.
• at the gate: This contextualizes the warning to the public sphere, especially judicial and legal contexts. It condemns corrupt legal practices, dishonest rulings, or manipulation of law to benefit the powerful at the expense of the weak and helpless. This directly implicates judges, leaders, and those with societal authority.

Proverbs 22 22 Bonus section

This proverb resonates deeply with the Mosaic Law, which frequently reiterates God's command to care for the poor, sojourners, widows, and orphans (e.g., Ex 22:21-27, Deut 24:17-22). It represents a theological understanding that injustice against the poor is, in essence, an affront to God Himself, as expressed in Proverbs 14:31, "Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker." The wisdom tradition, particularly Proverbs, teaches that the consequences for such actions are not just social or legal, but divinely ordained; God is the ultimate defender of the oppressed, and He will hold oppressors accountable. This verse thus stands as a foundational ethic for a society reflecting God's righteousness, emphasizing mercy and justice over greed and power.

Proverbs 22 22 Commentary

Proverbs 22:22 encapsulates a fundamental principle of biblical justice: the protection of the vulnerable. It's a stark admonition against abusing power, status, or knowledge to exploit the economically and socially disadvantaged. The double injunction against "robbing the poor" and "crushing the afflicted" highlights different facets of oppression: one involves illicit taking, the other, outright devastation, often through corrupt legal means ("at the gate"). This verse reminds believers that true wisdom and righteousness are not merely personal virtues but are tangibly demonstrated in how one treats the marginalized. It is a divine expectation for societal equity, mirroring God's own character as a protector of the defenseless. Practically, this means advocating for fair wages, just laws, equitable access to resources, and resisting any system that preys on vulnerability.

• Example 1: A landlord unjustly evicts a low-income family knowing they lack the resources for legal defense.
• Example 2: A business owner deliberately withholds payment from a vulnerable laborer, knowing the laborer cannot afford to sue.
• Example 3: A judge shows favoritism to a wealthy litigant over a poor one in court proceedings.