Rob Not the Poor - Proverbs 22:22

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “That I might make you know the certainty of the words of truth; that you might answer the words of truth to them that send unto you?”, and in chapter twenty-two and verse twenty-two of Proverbs Solomon said, “rob not the poor, because he is poor” where we read,

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

The verse begins, “Rob not the poor, because he is poor:” Solomon began with the words, “rob not the poor” or “do not tear away, seize, plunder or take by force from people who are impoverished, in want, in need and destitute”, “because he is poor” which means “since and on account that the poor person exists as impoverished and in need”. Solomon said not to plunder people who are impoverished and destitute.

The verse goes on to say, “neither oppress the afflicted in the gate.” Solomon continued with the words, “neither oppress the afflicted” or “no and not in any way crush, break or shatter people who are poor, humble, wretched and needy” “in the gate” which means “within the entrance, opening or door of the city”. Solomon instructed his readers and listeners not to crush and shatter people who are wretched and humble within the entrance of their city. 

When we think through Solomon's words in this verse, we see how he did not want anyone reading and listening to his words to plunder people who are impoverished nor crush those who are humble and needy. God is aware of the needs of all people, and His desire is to meet the needs of everyone. (See Philippians 4:19) Our greatest need is to be saved from the penalty for our sins which is death, and for this reason God sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind. When we believe and trust in Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and teach us to care for the “poor and afflicted” and never be guilty of plundering and oppressing them. 

Next time Solomon says, “the LORD will plead their cause”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".