Proverbs 22:17-25

Wisdom! 

Care for others in the same way that you would want them to care for you. Jesus commanded it!

This proverb addresses the exploitation of the impoverished. Because they are unable to protect their legal rights, the poor are an easy target for the rich and powerful. The rationale given here for not robbing them is that Yahweh defends them. The oppression of the poor insults God, the Maker of both rich and poor. This proverb goes further, stating Yahweh will come to the defense of the impoverished and carry out justice for the oppressed. While quarrelsome people bring destruction, the greatest danger of associating with them is becoming like them. This threat of corruption is also a common theme in Egyptian wisdom literature. Faithlife Bible.

Most violations of justice target poor and afflicted people because they are weak and defenseless. But anyone who does this makes an enemy of God, who will plead their cause. NKJ Bible.

Proverbs 22:17–25 (NKJV)

¹⁷ Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise,

And apply your heart to my knowledge;

¹⁸ For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you;

Let them all be fixed upon your lips,

¹⁹ So that your trust may be in the Lord;

I have instructed you today, even you.

²⁰ Have I not written to you excellent things

Of counsels and knowledge,

²¹ That I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth,

That you may answer words of truth

To those who send to you?

²² Do not rob the poor because he is poor,

Nor oppress the afflicted at the gate;

²³ For the Lord will plead their cause,

And plunder the soul of those who plunder them.

²⁴ Make no friendship with an angry man,

And with a furious man do not go,

²⁵ Lest you learn his ways

And set a snare for your soul.

He will not stand before unknown men.

Exodus 23:6 (NKJV)

⁶ “You shall not pervert the judgment of your poor in his dispute.

Exodus 23:7 (NKJV)

⁷ Keep yourself far from a false matter; do not kill the innocent and righteous. For I will not justify the wicked.