Proverbs 22:22-23

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about mercy:

Proverbs 22:22-23 (NASBStr)

Do not rob the poor because he is poor,

Or crush the afflicted at the gate;

 For the Lord will plead their case

And take the life of trhose who rob them.

Proverbs 22:22-23 (ESV)

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.

Having mercy is a reflection of God's character.  God sees our poverty of spirit and supplies us with Christ and the ministry of the Holy Spirit to care for that poverty (Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven - Matthew 5:2).  God gives.   God reaches out and touches our lives when we are rebellious and running away from Him.   So, to do the opposite, as suggested in the above proverb, is to act contrary to God and to act in the spirit of Satan.   To rob the poor of the little they have and to afflict the afflicted when they can't bear it, is not Godliness, but satanic.   But, don't think those who do such things are free of guilt and sin freely.    God pleads for the poor and the afflicted. If you are afflicted or poor, this is a comfort.  If you are the one robbing or afflicting, this ought to be a fearful thing.   God avenges the poor and the afflicted.   If you are poor and afflicted, these proverbs are good news.   If you afflict the poor and the afflicted, this is bad news. In Nehemiah’s day, he had to deal with those who did this very thing (Nehemiah 5).  Nehemiah had to stand in the gap.   We don’t know if he thought of this proverb, but he did put it into play.