Proverbs 22.22-23
“Do not rob the poor, because he is poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate, for the Lord will plead their cause and rob of life those who rob them.”
To rob anyone is a crime, but to rob the poor, who are already in a difficult situation, is particularly evil and shameful (see also Exodus 22:21-23; 23:6; Deut.24:14-15).
The reference to “gate” in the verse suggests that this robbery of the poor happens through political manipulation, since legal transactions were carried out at the public gate of the city. The poor are at the bottom of the social ladder; they are without power, resources, or advocacy. They don’t have the financial means or the connections and influence to defend themselves in legal or political proceedings; thus, it is highly unjust for the wealthy or the politically connected to use their influence to take advantage of the poor.
The verbs of exploitation used in this verse are strong: “Rob” means to tear possessions away from the owner in a destructive fashion. “Crush” means just that (its noun form means “dust” in Psalm 90:3). To “rob of life” means to take from the poor the things they need to live. In the eyes of the Lord, therefore, exploiting the poor is a capital crime and warrants a capital punishment. The Lord himself will see to it. In due time he will avenge those who are unable to defend themselves.
Proverbs 22.24-25
“Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.”
The book of Proverbs teaches that we must associate with wise people and avoid foolish people (1:8-19). Otherwise, as this passage states, the bad behavior of the foolish will have a negative influence on us, and we will get caught up in their activity.
In this verse, angry and combative people are specifically identified as those to be avoided. The passage is talking not just about an occasional outburst of anger, but rather about people characterized and dominated by their anger. We are admonished to
The Hebrew text paints a vivid picture. A man “given to anger” in the Hebrew is literally someone “owned by anger,” and “a wrathful man” in the Hebrew is literally a “man of heats.” This is not a description of people who occasionally let off excess steam. It is a description of people who are veritable steam engines with very low boiling points and extra loads of fuel. Today we would say these are people who have a short fuse.
Anger is their path of life, thus the reference to “ways.” To walk that path with them is to put your life journey at risk, since their path is full of traps/snares which any misstep will trigger. “Snare” refers to a latch that springs the trap. To follow in the footsteps of angry people is to travel through a minefield. Sooner or later you will take the wrong step, and things will blow up.
Unfortunately, many people today are “owned by anger.” Indeed, anger in our society is one rise. The consequences of this are not good for our society.
More on this tomorrow …
