Proverbs 29:7 kjv

The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.

Proverbs 29:7 nkjv

The righteous considers the cause of the poor, But the wicked does not understand such knowledge.

Proverbs 29:7 niv

The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.

Proverbs 29:7 esv

A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.

Proverbs 29:7 nlt

The godly care about the rights of the poor;
the wicked don't care at all.

Proverbs 29 verses

Proverbs 29 7 Meaning

Proverbs 29:7 contrasts the distinct characteristics of the righteous and the wicked concerning the plight of the poor. The righteous individual, acting from a heart aligned with God's will, actively seeks to understand and uphold the justice or rights due to the impoverished and vulnerable. This "knowing" implies empathetic discernment, engagement, and a desire to see their "cause" — their claims or need for equitable treatment — addressed. In sharp contrast, the wicked person demonstrates a willful lack of understanding or concern regarding the needs and rights of the poor. Their negligence is not mere ignorance but a deliberate refusal to acknowledge, discern, or engage with their plight, revealing a hardened heart devoid of compassion and justice.

Proverbs 29 7 Context

Proverbs chapter 29 continues the collection of Solomon's proverbs, largely focusing on contrasts between righteous and wicked behavior and their societal impact. The immediate verses prior discuss themes of leadership, rebuke, and consequences of hardened hearts, while subsequent verses delve into justice, personal discipline, and the fear of the Lord. Verse 7 specifically addresses a core aspect of wisdom literature and Mosaic law: social justice and the treatment of the vulnerable. In ancient Israelite society, "the poor" (דַּלִּים, dallim) referred not only to the economically destitute but also to the powerless, marginalized, and those lacking protection (e.g., widows, orphans, sojourners). Their "cause" (דִּין, din) was their right to fair treatment, protection, and legal justice, especially in a world where power could easily exploit weakness. This verse implicitly upholds the divinely ordained value of human life and dignity, asserting that true righteousness involves active engagement with societal injustices, in stark contrast to the self-serving indifference often found in corrupt systems or individuals.

Proverbs 29 7 Word analysis

• The righteous (צַדִּיק, tsaddiq): Refers to a person who is just, upright, and innocent in their character and actions, often in alignment with God's moral standards and covenant. This is not merely ethical behavior but a reflection of a heart transformed by reverence for the Lord.

• considers (יוֹדֵעַ, yodea): Literally means "knows" or "understands." However, in biblical Hebrew, yodea implies a deep, experiential, and relational knowledge, not just intellectual awareness. Here, it denotes an active engagement, a personal acquaintance with, and sympathetic discernment of the poor's situation. It's knowledge that leads to compassion and action.

• the cause (דִּין, din): Means judgment, justice, a legal case, or a dispute. It refers to the poor person's rightful claim, their legal standing, or the issues that require resolution to ensure their justice and welfare. The righteous not only sees the poor but perceives and cares about the injustice they face or the fairness due to them.

• of the poor (דַּלִּים, dallim): Plural of dal, denoting those who are weak, powerless, vulnerable, helpless, and in need, extending beyond mere economic poverty to include social and legal disadvantage.

• but the wicked (רָשָׁע, rasha): A person who is guilty, unrighteous, morally wrong, rebellious against divine law, and prone to harmful actions. This individual often operates outside God's standards for justice and mercy.

• regards not (לֹא יָבִין, lo yavin): Literally "does not understand" or "does not discern." This implies a deliberate unwillingness or inability to grasp the poor's plight or their right to justice. It's not passive ignorance, but an active turning away or hardening of heart against true understanding and empathy.

• to know it (אִי דַּעַת, i da'at): Meaning "a knowledge" or "with knowledge," often conveying the absence of discernment or understanding in this context. The phrase "regards not to know it" emphasizes the wicked's refusal to truly acknowledge, comprehend, or apply their mind to the reality of the poor's situation. They choose to remain ignorant or indifferent.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "The righteous considers the cause of the poor": This phrase paints a picture of active righteousness. It’s about more than charity; it’s about upholding justice. The "cause" highlights a deeper, systemic issue of fairness and rights, not just temporary need. The "consideration" by the righteous implies diligent thought, investigation, and empathy, driven by God's character of justice and mercy.
  • "but the wicked regards not to know it": This strong contrast underscores the moral bankruptcy of the wicked. Their inaction or indifference is a deliberate choice. It reveals a fundamental lack of concern for justice and human dignity, rooted in selfishness and an unwillingness to engage with difficult realities that might demand their sacrifice or discomfort. It's a failure of both intellect and heart.

Proverbs 29 7 Bonus section

The concept of "knowing the cause" of the poor suggests active inquiry and potentially legal advocacy or seeking justice through proper channels, rather than simply offering alms. It touches upon systemic issues. In the ancient Near East, the vulnerable (poor, widow, orphan) often lacked kinship protection and were susceptible to exploitation; righteous kings and leaders were expected to embody this care (e.g., King David, Psalm 72). The distinction between the "righteous" and "wicked" is a common theme in Proverbs, portraying these as distinct ways of life that yield differing outcomes, both for the individual and the community. This verse highlights that genuine godliness is demonstrably seen in one's attitude and actions toward society's most defenseless.

Proverbs 29 7 Commentary

Proverbs 29:7 provides a stark moral dichotomy central to biblical wisdom. It distinguishes between the core character and practical outflow of two types of individuals: the righteous and the wicked. The righteous, guided by divine wisdom, understands that true piety extends beyond personal devotion to encompass social responsibility. Their "knowledge" of the poor's "cause" is not abstract but empathetic and active, propelling them to engage with the injustices and needs of the vulnerable. This active consideration often means advocating for their rights, ensuring fair treatment, and pursuing legal or social equity. In contrast, the wicked exhibits a profound spiritual and moral blindness. Their refusal "to know" the poor's situation is not innocent ignorance, but a willful suppression of truth and empathy, stemming from a self-absorbed heart that dismisses the concerns of others, especially the marginalized. This indifference directly opposes God's own heart, which consistently champions the cause of the poor and oppressed throughout Scripture. Practically, this verse challenges believers to not merely observe suffering, but to deeply consider its roots, the justice due, and to act on behalf of those without a voice, reflecting the very character of Christ.