Classic KJV - Proverbs 29:13

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.

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, even in the least, with human wealth, not even with multi-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).

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