Proverbs 22:22-23
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The phrase "because he is poor" can be read in two powerful ways: it’s a warning against exploiting someone's weakness because they're defenseless, but it's also an urgent plea to protect them because their poverty should stir your compassion and mercy. The "gate" refers to the place of public justice, highlighting how even the systems meant to protect can become tools of oppression for the vulnerable.
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse kicks off a new section of Proverbs, often called an appendix, offering wisdom for navigating life's complexities. It directly follows wisdom concerning the wealthy and their potential for arrogance, shifting the focus to the vulnerable. The "gate" here refers to the public square and place of judgment, highlighting the specific injustice of abusing legal or social power against those with no standing.
Ever notice how easy it is to take advantage of someone's weakness? The Book of Proverbs speaks directly to this temptation.
The verse warns against robbing the poor, and it highlights a chilling reason: because he is poor. This doesn't mean his poverty justifies the act; rather, his helplessness can become a temptation for those with power. It's like seeing an unlocked door and thinking, 'No one's watching, so I can just take it.' The text urges us to recognize that a person's vulnerability should call forth compassion and protection, not exploitation. It's a stark reminder that our character is revealed by how we treat those who can't fight back.
Imagine a courtroom without walls, right in the middle of public life. What happens when justice is supposed to be served there, but isn't?
The 'gate' in ancient Near Eastern culture was more than just an entrance; it was the hub of civic life, including the place where legal proceedings took place. When Proverbs speaks of 'oppressing the afflicted at the gate,' it paints a vivid picture of injustice happening in plain sight. It's not just a private wrong; it's a public perversion of justice. Judges and leaders were meant to uphold fairness, but this verse warns against using the very place of judgment to crush those who are already suffering. It calls for integrity in public life and protection for those seeking recourse.
Understand the original words
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gazal · Hebrew Verb
Refers to the act of depriving someone of their property, rights, or dignity through oppression or deceit. It is strictly forbidden by God, especially when directed toward the vulnerable.
dal · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Those who lack material wealth or social influence. Throughout the Bible, God expresses special concern for them, and the faithful are commanded to defend and provide for them rather than exploit them.
sha'ar · Hebrew Noun
A place of public business, judicial administration, and social gathering in ancient Near Eastern cities. It was where legal disputes were settled and where the vulnerable were often at risk of injustice from the powerful.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant name of God, revealing Him as the self-existent, faithful One who enters into a redemptive relationship with His people.
riv · Hebrew Verb
Refers to the legal or advocacy work of defending someone against injustice. God is portrayed as the ultimate Judge and Avenger who personally takes up the defense of the oppressed and those unable to defend themselves.
This passage directly echoes the prohibition against oppressing the vulnerable, highlighting God's concern for widows and orphans, who are particularly susceptible to injustice.
Job 31:16-17Job recounts how he never denied the poor their desire or let the eyes of the widow grow dim, demonstrating a personal commitment to justice that mirrors the wisdom in Proverbs.
Psalm 82:3-4This psalm calls for defending the weak and fatherless, and delivering the afflicted and needy from the power of the wicked, emphasizing the divine mandate for justice.
Amos 5:10-12Amos fiercely condemns those who trample on the poor and take bribes, showing how oppression, especially in legal settings ('at the gate'), incurs God's severe judgment.
Luke 18:1-8Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow to teach that God will surely grant justice to His elect, even against unjust judges, underscoring the importance of prayer for the oppressed.
bensonProverbs 22:22: "Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:"
Proverbs 22:22-23 . Rob not the poor, &c. — Thus, after the preceding solemn preface, among the principal rules of life which he was about to lay down, he first commends this, not to be injurious to poor people; especially by oppressing them in a form of justice: as if he had said, Never abuse thy power to the spoiling of him who is in a mean condition; because he is poor — And unable to resist th…
clarkeProverbs 22:22: "Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:"
Neither oppress the afflicted in the gate - In judgment let the poor have a fair hearing; and let him not be borne down because he is poor. The reader has often seen that courts of justice were held at the gates of cities in the East.
The phrase "because he is poor" can be read in two powerful ways: it’s a warning against exploiting someone's weakness because they're defenseless, but it's also an urgent plea to protect them because their poverty should stir your compassion and mercy. The "gate" refers to the place of public justice, highlighting how even the systems meant to protect can become tools of oppression for the vulnerable.
This verse kicks off a new section of Proverbs, often called an appendix, offering wisdom for navigating life's complexities. It directly follows wisdom concerning the wealthy and their potential for arrogance, shifting the focus to the vulnerable. The "gate" here refers to the public square and place of judgment, highlighting the specific injustice of abusing legal or social power against those with no standing.
This verse kicks off a new section of Proverbs, often called an appendix, offering wisdom for navigating life's complexities. It directly follows wisdom concerning the wealthy and their potential for arrogance, shifting the focus to the vulnerable. The "gate" here refers to the public square and place of judgment, highlighting the specific injustice of abusing legal or social power against those with no standing.
"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." — The phrase "because he is poor" can be read in two powerful ways: it’s a warning against exploiting someone's weakness because they're defenseless, but it's also an urgent plea to protect them *bec…
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Last reviewed October 2026
