Proverbs 28:3

Arabic SVD 1865 Version (Smith and Van Dyke)

الرجل الفقير الذي يظلم فقراء هو مطر جارف لا يبقي طعاما.

What Does This Mean?

Proverbs 28:3 says that a poor person who oppresses other poor people is like rain that doesn't help crops grow. The key message is that oppressing the poor is especially unjust and harmful.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a small puddle of water, and someone takes that little bit of water away from you when you need it most. This verse tells us that it's not nice for someone who doesn't have much to take from others who also don't have much, just like taking that water away wouldn't be nice.

Historical Background

This verse comes from the book of Proverbs, which is a collection of wise sayings. The book was written over centuries, likely by several authors including King Solomon. It was written for the general audience of ancient Israelites, aiming to provide wisdom and guidance for living a righteous life.

Living It Out Today

Today, this verse reminds us that when someone in a position of relative poverty or disadvantage mistreats others who are also disadvantaged, it can be especially harmful. For example, a homeless person bullying another homeless person over limited resources shows a lack of empathy and is particularly damaging.

Topics

• justice
• poverty
• empathy
• wisdom
• moral behavior
• social responsibility

Related Verses

• Proverbs 22:22
• Psalm 82:3
• James 1:27
• Isaiah 10:2
• Matthew 25:40

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'sweeping rain which leaveth no food' mean?

It means rain that is so heavy or comes at the wrong time that it destroys crops instead of helping them grow, leaving no food for people.

How can someone who is poor still oppress others?

Even when someone is poor, they can still have power over others who are even more disadvantaged, and use that power to mistreat or take advantage of them.

What's the main takeaway from this verse?

The main takeaway is that oppressing the poor is particularly unjust and harmful, even when the oppressor is also poor.

How does this verse relate to contemporary issues?

This verse can be applied to contemporary issues like homelessness or economic inequality, where those with slightly more resources sometimes exploit others who are even more disadvantaged.