Proverbs 22:23
For the Lord will plead their cause, and despoil the life of those that despoil them.
Leeser Tanakh
In The King James Version
For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.
In Context
22Rob not the poor, because he is poor, neither crush the afflicted in the gate;
24Make no friendship with a man given to anger; and with a man of fury thou must have no intercourse:
Cross References
Exodus 22:23(22:22) If thou afflict him in any wise; [for if he cry at all unto me, I will surely hear his cry:]
1 Samuel 24:15May the Lord therefore be judge, and decide between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and obtain me justice out of thy hand.
Psalms 12:5(12:6) Because of the oppression of the poor, because of the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the Lord: I will grant safety to him for whom the other layeth a snare.
Psalms 35:1“Of David.” Contend, O Lord, with those that contend with me: fight against those that fight against me.
Psalms 43:1Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: from the deceitful and unjust man do thou deliver me.
Psalms 103:6The Lord executeth righteousness, and justice for all that are oppressed.
Matthew Henry on Proverbs 22:23-24
Caution against Oppressing the Poor. 22 Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: 23 For the Lord will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them. After this solemn preface, one would have expected something new and surprising; but no; here is a plain and common, but very needful caution against the barbarous and inhuman practices of oppressing poor people. Observe, I. The sin itself, and that is robbing the poor and making them poorer, taking from those… Read the whole commentary →