Classic KJV - Proverbs 29:13

Wealth does not generate or sustain life. So this proverb gives us a very important message, a message often repeated: See Proverbs 22:2 and 14:31a and 17:5a. The point is this: an abundance of life—the light of the LORD—is much more important than an abundance of assets.

Staying Alive

The phrase, “the LORD gives light to the eyes of both,” is a figure of speech, not describing physical eyesight as such, but the incalculable gift of life. It’s not sunlight that gives us light; it’s the LORD who gives us life. Death or disease aren’t simply accidents. In the LORD’s Providence, He is good to all. He treats everyone with kindness and justice, and without favoritism (Acts 10:34 NLT). He does not deny the oppressor the blessing of life, even when the oppressor denies it to others. Theologians refer to this ubiquitous goodness of God as "common grace.” Good health and mindfulness are God-given gifts, beyond all the benefits of wealth.

All Encompassing

The text covers both ends of the social spectrum and, of course, everyone in between. Usually two such opposite types tend to avoid each other, but, before the Face of God, money and power mean absolutely nothing. How can they meet? All men and women are equally dependent upon their Creator and Judge. This proverb rejects the esteem most people give to those of wealth and influence.

Translation: poor, oppressor

The Hebrew word for poor, רָשׁ (rāš, pronounced “rash”), is usually used in the literal sense of financially deprived. 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 gathers wealth at other’s expense. So the text refers to those oppressors who get 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 terms are available. All three Hebrew 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, not all of which are worthy of our concern:

• The Unfortunate Poor - poor from unhappy circumstances.
• The Oppressed Poor - poor from the thoughtless or malicious exploitation of others.
• The Lazy Poor - poor because of their own idleness.
• The Punished Poor - poor from being unintended victims.
• The Voluntary Poor – poor from their own choice.
• The Poor in Spirit – a non-financial or personal virtue, not discussed here.

Our Maker, Saviour, and Friend

Jesus said that God the Father is kind to both good and evil, sending both rain and sun on the righteous and the unrighteous (Matthew 5:45).

God is not impressed, not in the least, with human wealth, not even with billions of dollars. All the nations are like a drop in the bucket or like dust on the scales (Isaiah 40:15).

Like His Father, Jesus deferred to no one, but spoke the truth consistently (Matthew 22:16), enlightening anyone with “the ears to hear.”

1. p. 51-57 How Long O LORD? D. A. Carson, Published by Baker Academics, 2006, ISBN 10:0-8010-3125-7,  ISBN 987-0-8010-3125