Proverbs 22:1-2, 7-9, 16, 22-23 – The Rich and the Poor

BIBLE TEXT

Proverbs 22:1-2, 7-9, 16, 22-23

SUMMARY

Proverbs 22 has a good deal to say about the wealthy and the poor.

ANALYSIS

Proverbs 22 shines a light on the many different things that are said about the rich and the poor in Proverbs. (See “The Social Ethic of Proverbs: Wealth and Poverty” entry in Bible in the World – Proverbs.)  Certainly being rich is to be preferred; the rich are the primary audience of most of the Book of Proverbs, and they are clearly in charge (v. 7).  Still, with riches come responsibilities; generosity and justice are principal among them (vv. 8, 9,16). Moreover, The Lord watches over the rights of the poor. If the poor are robbed or cheated in the courts, the Lord will take up their cause (vv. 22-23).  And the bottom line is found in Proverbs 22:2
    The rich and the poor have this in common:
          the LORD is the maker of them all.