Proverbs 29.7
“A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.”
The literal translation of the proverb begins with the statement, “The righteous knows the cause of the poor,” thereby indicating a cause for which the poor need help. The word used to describe the rights of the poor is a legal word that was used in the courts. What it describes is a situation in which the legal system is not working the way it should for the poor. Thus they need someone to be concerned and to understand their plight.
The “poor” here means much more than those who are financially indigent. It refers to those who are disenfranchised and marginalized in society. It refers to those who are being treated unfairly and unjustly.
When I read this proverb, I could not help but to think of the tragic death of George Floyd beneath the knee of a Minneapolis police officer, and then the national outrage and protests that followed. For years the black community has asked and pleaded for America to address the way black men are targeted and treated by law enforcement.
This is not to say all or even most law enforcement officers are racist and unjust, but it is saying that there are too many and it happens too often. Nor does it justify the riots and looting in Minneapolis, which was clearly just as much of a crime as the killing of Floyd.
The message, the kingdom standard, is laid out in this proverb: The right thing is to understand the cause of the marginalized and oppressed, and then to take appropriate action to establish justice and fairness. Wicked people do not understand the cause of the marginalized, nor do they care. They turn their back and ignore the injustice.
Benjamin Franklin captured the spirit of this proverb when he wrote, “Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.”
There is a clear contrast between the wicked and the righteous.The wicked cares only about himself. He cannot see past his own desires and wants to concern himself with anyone other than himself. The righteous are concerned because they are selfless and want God’s justice to prevail in all aspects of life.
With ironic timing that speaks directly to events taking place right now in our country, tomorrow’s proverb will address the very real danger of those who take advantage of the injustices in society to incite division and inflame hostility.
