What is shared by both poor and rich? (29:13)
The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: the LORD gives light to the eyes of both.
Both the poor and the rich and share the most basic of all necessities—life itself.
Wealth is great, but health trumps wealth. Everyone is dependent upon the LORD for health, and indeed, for staying alive!
So what?
Wealth does not generate or sustain life. The text gives us a very important message since it is repeated often: See Proverbs 22:2 and Proverbs 14:31a and 17:5a. The point is this—an abundance of life is much more significant than an abundance of assets.
Staying Alive
The expression, “the LORD gives light to the eyes of both,” is likely a figure of speech; not about eyesight per se, but about keeping eyes open. It’s not sunlight that gives light; it’s the LORD who keeps us alive. Death or disease can’t harm anyone under the LORD’s protection. The LORD God is good to all. He treats all people with justice and kindness but without favoritism (Acts 10:34 NLT) The LORD does not mistreat the oppressor even though the oppressor mistreats others.Some theologians refer to this ubiquitous goodness of God as “common” grace. Good health is a God-given gift and exceeds all the benefits that wealth affords.
All Encompassing
The text covers both ends of the social spectrum and, of course, everything in between. Usually these two individuals tend to avoid each other, but, before God, money and power mean absolutely nothing. How is it that they meet together? All men and women are equally dependent upon their Creator and Judge. The text neutralizes the importance humanity gives to wealth and influence.
Translation: poor, oppressor
The Hebrew word for poor, רָשׁ (rāš, pronounced “rash”), is usually used in the literal sense of financially poor. Contrast this word with other words for “poor” by checking the Keywords section of this website.
The Hebrew word for oppressor, תּככים (teḵā•ḵîm, pronounced “te-kah-keem”), is difficult to translate. Renderings include: Deceitful man (KJV), man of frauds (YLT), injurious man (LITV), fraudulent man (tanakh – Jewish Publication Society 1985), and usurer (K&D, Gill, Clarke commentaries). All these words describe someone who gains wealth at other’s expense. The text seems to refer to those oppressors who got rich by abusing others.
Types of Poverty
There are many types of poverty. Unfortunately the single English word poor hides some subtleties in the Hebrew where three different words are used. All three words appear in Psalm 82:3 NASB. “Vindicate the weak (dal) and the fatherless. Do justice to the afflicted (ani) and the destitute (ras).”
In his book How Long O LORD?1 author D. A. Carson lists six kinds of poverty:
- 1 The Unfortunate Poor – Some people are poor because of unfortunate circumstances.
- 2 The Oppressed Poor – Some are poor through the thoughtless or malicious exploitation of others.
- 3 The Lazy Poor – Some are poor because of their own idleness.
- 4 The Poor because of other’s punishment – Some are poor as unintended victims.
- 5 The Voluntary Poor – Some have chosen to be poor.
- 6 The Poor in Spirit – This is another category, not related to finances and not discussed here.
- Memorize the text in your favourite Bible translation and think about it often.
- Thank God that you are alive and able to do things—including reading these words!
- Don’t give wealth more importance than it really has. Don’t be intimidated by another’s wealth or puffed-up with your own. Remember the one who keeps everyone alive and active. Don’t try to win friends and influence people; it’s better to engage the assistance of God Almighty since He has more power than everyone on earth, combined.
- Don’t think that by losing money you will lose your life and don’t think that by gaining more money you will gain more life. Money doesn’t bring or take life: That’s God’s doing.
Which of these steps, if any, does Jesus want you to take now? Ask Him.
Both the poor and the rich and share the most basic of all necessities—life itself.
Wealth is great, but health trumps wealth. Everyone is dependent upon the LORD for health, and indeed, for staying alive!
So what?
Wealth does not generate or sustain life. The text gives us a very important message since it is repeated often: See Proverbs 22:2 and Proverbs 14:31a and 17:5a. The point is this—an abundance of life is much more significant than an abundance of assets.
Staying Alive
The expression, “the LORD gives light to the eyes of both,” is likely a figure of speech; not about eyesight per se, but about keeping eyes open. It’s not sunlight that gives light; it’s the LORD who keeps us alive. Death or disease can’t harm anyone under the LORD’s protection. The LORD God is good to all. He treats all people with justice and kindness but without favoritism (Acts 10:34 NLT) The LORD does not mistreat the oppressor even though the oppressor mistreats others.Some theologians refer to this ubiquitous goodness of God as “common” grace. Good health is a God-given gift and exceeds all the benefits that wealth affords.
All Encompassing
The text covers both ends of the social spectrum and, of course, everything in between. Usually these two individuals tend to avoid each other, but, before God, money and power mean absolutely nothing. How is it that they meet together? All men and women are equally dependent upon their Creator and Judge. The text neutralizes the importance humanity gives to wealth and influence.
Translation: poor, oppressor
The Hebrew word for poor, רָשׁ (rāš, pronounced “rash”), is usually used in the literal sense of financially poor. Contrast this word with other words for “poor” by checking the Keywords section of this website.
The Hebrew word for oppressor, תּככים (teḵā•ḵîm, pronounced “te-kah-keem”), is difficult to translate. Renderings include: Deceitful man (KJV), man of frauds (YLT), injurious man (LITV), fraudulent man (tanakh – Jewish Publication Society 1985), and usurer (K&D, Gill, Clarke commentaries). All these words describe someone who gains wealth at other’s expense. The text seems to refer to those oppressors who got rich by abusing others.
Types of Poverty
There are many types of poverty. Unfortunately the single English word poor hides some subtleties in the Hebrew where three different words are used. All three words appear in Psalm 82:3 NASB. “Vindicate the weak (dal) and the fatherless. Do justice to the afflicted (ani) and the destitute (ras).”
In his book How Long O LORD?1 author D. A. Carson lists six kinds of poverty:
- 1 The Unfortunate Poor – Some people are poor because of unfortunate circumstances.
- 2 The Oppressed Poor – Some are poor through the thoughtless or malicious exploitation of others.
- 3 The Lazy Poor – Some are poor because of their own idleness.
- 4 The Poor because of other’s punishment – Some are poor as unintended victims.
- 5 The Voluntary Poor – Some have chosen to be poor.
- 6 The Poor in Spirit – This is another category, not related to finances and not discussed here.