Joseph Mekael Page

Proverbs 22:22 – Advocating for the Poor with the Heart of Christ

“Do not rob the poor because he is poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate.” – Proverbs 22:22

God’s Word calls us to uphold justice. It also calls us to have compassion for the vulnerable. Proverbs 22:22 warns against exploiting the poor or oppressing the afflicted. Cross-referencing translations deepens our understanding:

• KJV: “Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate.”
• NLT: “Don’t rob the poor just because you can, or exploit the needy in court.”
• NIV: “Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court.”
• Hebrew: This emphasizes covenantal protection for the vulnerable. It also highlights justice at the city gate, where legal and community matters were settled.

This teaching reflects God’s character and His desire for His people to act justly. As Isaiah 1:17 commands:
“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.”

Jesus further reminds us in Matthew 26:11, “The poor you will always have with you.” This is not a statement of resignation but a call to action. People will always be in need. We should reflect Christ’s compassion through advocacy. We must also perform tangible acts of kindness.

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Action Rooted in Love

The poor are not only in financial need but often spiritually and emotionally broken. They may be trapped in addiction, sin, or despair, unable to rise without help. Yet, we must give without fear of misuse, trusting God to bless our efforts. As Proverbs 19:17 says:
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord.”

Our role is to act justly, as Micah 6:8 teaches:
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Compassionate giving doesn’t always mean solving every problem. It means being present for immediate needs—a warm meal, a sleeping bag, or support for programs that house and restore. These acts demonstrate Christ’s love, even when someone isn’t ready to accept deeper help. Change starts with the heart, and our role is to plant seeds of hope.

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Fulfilling the Law of Christ

When we see the poor through God’s eyes, they become precious. As Galatians 6:2 reminds us:
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

As the strong, we are called to lift the weak, trusting God to bring transformation in His time. Let us give, advocate, and love as Jesus did, honoring God by upholding justice and showing mercy to the afflicted.