Proverbs 22:2

KJV

¶ The rich and poor meet together: the LORD [is] the maker of them all.

KJV (with Strong's)

The rich {H6223} and poor {H7326} meet together {H6298}: the LORD {H3068} is the maker {H6213} of them all.

Complete Jewish Bible

Rich and poor have this in common -ADONAI made them both.

Berean Standard Bible

The rich and the poor have this in common: The LORD is Maker of them all.

American Standard Version

The rich and the poor meet together: Jehovah is the maker of them all.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 22:2 presents a foundational theological truth: despite the apparent socio-economic disparities between the wealthy and the impoverished, all individuals share a common origin and intrinsic dignity, for the LORD, the sovereign Creator, is the ultimate maker and sustainer of every human being. This verse establishes a principle of inherent human equality before God, transcending earthly distinctions and calling believers to recognize a shared humanity rooted in divine authorship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 22:2 is situated within a significant collection of wisdom sayings (Proverbs 22:1-16) that offer practical guidance for righteous living. This section frequently addresses the interplay of wealth, poverty, justice, and character. The preceding verse, [Proverbs 22:1](/proverbs/22-1 "Proverbs 22:1 - A Good Name is Better Than Riches"), emphasizes the enduring value of a good name over fleeting material riches, setting a moral and spiritual tone that prioritizes character over possessions. Following [Proverbs 22:2](/proverbs/22-2 "Proverbs 22:2 - The Rich, the Poor, and Their Maker"), the subsequent verses (Proverbs 22:3-16) continue to explore themes such as diligence, humility, the consequences of various behaviors, and the importance of God's perspective on human affairs. This particular verse serves as a theological cornerstone, providing the divine rationale for many of the ethical directives that follow, particularly those concerning how one should interact with and perceive both the rich and the poor.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel, like many societies in the ancient Near East, was marked by distinct economic stratification. There were clear divisions among landowners, merchants, artisans, and laborers, alongside a significant population segment that experienced poverty due to factors such as famine, debt, or social misfortune. While the Mosaic Law included specific provisions for the vulnerable and the poor, such as gleaning laws found in [Leviticus 19:9-10](/leviticus/19-9-10 "Leviticus 19:9-10 - Gleaning Laws") and [Deuteronomy 24:19-22](/deuteronomy/24-19-22 "Deuteronomy 24:19-22 - Care for the Poor"), economic disparities were an undeniable reality. The wisdom literature, especially the book of Proverbs, grappled with these societal conditions, not to advocate for the abolition of social classes, but to infuse them with a divine perspective. It challenged the prevailing human tendency to equate worth with wealth, instead grounding human value in God's creative act, thereby establishing a level playing field in the eyes of the Creator.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Proverbs and the broader biblical narrative. Central to its message is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Creation**, asserting that God's creative power extends to every individual, irrespective of their economic standing. This truth undergirds the concept of **Inherent Human Equality**, positing that despite outward differences in wealth and status, all people possess intrinsic worth and dignity before their Creator, sharing a common origin and a common God. The declaration that "the rich and poor meet together" underscores the theme of **Shared Humanity and Interdependence**, emphasizing that these distinct social groups are not isolated but are inextricably linked as part of the same human family, inevitably interacting and sharing the same world, all subject to the same divine laws and principles. This theme resonates throughout the wisdom literature, notably in [Proverbs 29:13](/proverbs/29-13 "Proverbs 29:13 - The Poor and the Oppressor"), which states, "The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **rich (Hebrew, _ʻâshîyr'_):** From the root `ʻâshar` (to be rich), this term denotes one possessing abundant material wealth. In the context of Proverbs, "the rich" often represent those with significant social standing, influence, and resources, whose prosperity can be a source of pride or, conversely, a means for benevolence and justice.
* **poor (Hebrew, _rûwsh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to be destitute," this word describes one who is needy, lacking, or economically disadvantaged. The biblical text frequently expresses profound concern for the "poor," advocating for justice and compassion towards them, highlighting their vulnerability and dependence on God and their community.
* **maker (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to do or make" in its broadest sense. Here, it specifically denotes God's active, intentional, and sovereign role as the architect, fashioner, and sustainer of all humanity. This implies divine intentionality, design, and ultimate ownership, underscoring that every human being, regardless of their economic status, is a direct product of God's creative work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The rich and poor meet together:"** This initial clause presents a universal observation about human society. The phrase "meet together" (Hebrew, _pâgash_) suggests an unavoidable encounter or coming into contact, not necessarily implying a friendly gathering, but rather the shared reality of existence. It highlights that despite their vastly different economic circumstances, the wealthy and the impoverished are not separate species or isolated entities; they coexist within the same human sphere. Their lives intersect, they share common spaces, and they are integral parts of the same social fabric, subject to the same fundamental human experiences of birth, life, and death.
* **"the LORD [is] the maker of them all."** This second clause provides the profound theological explanation and divine grounding for the preceding observation. The use of "the LORD" (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh_), God's covenant name, emphasizes His personal, sovereign, and authoritative involvement in creation and providence. By stating that the LORD is the "maker" of both the rich and the poor, the verse asserts that their existence, their very being, and their inherent worth originate from the same divine hand. This truth levels all human distinctions, stripping away any basis for pride in wealth or shame in poverty, as all stand equally as creatures before their Creator, equally dependent on Him for their being.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 22:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound and enduring message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, setting "the rich" against "the poor" to immediately highlight the pervasive societal stratification that is a universal human reality. This stark contrast effectively draws attention to the disparity. However, this initial contrast is immediately resolved and transcended by a powerful statement of **Unity and Divine Sovereignty**. The phrase "meet together" functions as a form of **Merism**, where two opposing parts ("rich" and "poor") are used to encompass the entirety of humanity, signifying that all people, regardless of their economic standing, are included in the overarching truth that follows. The verse also exhibits a clear example of **Synthetic Parallelism**, a common feature in Hebrew poetry, where the second line expands upon and provides the theological explanation for the first. The first line presents a societal observation ("the rich and poor meet together"), and the second line provides the ultimate divine truth and rationale behind it ("the LORD is the maker of them all"). This literary structure emphasizes that human social realities must always be understood and evaluated in light of God's ultimate creative and sovereign power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 22:2 serves as a foundational statement on human dignity and equality, rooting both in the universal truth of God's creation. It challenges any human system or mindset that would assign greater inherent worth to individuals based on their material possessions or social status. The verse underscores God's impartial fatherhood over all humanity, reminding us that wealth is not inherently a sign of divine favor, nor is poverty a mark of divine disfavor. This theological perspective demands a re-evaluation of how societies and individuals treat the economically disadvantaged, compelling believers to uphold justice and compassion, recognizing the divine image in every person. It aligns with the broader biblical narrative that consistently champions the cause of the poor and vulnerable, reminding the powerful of their accountability to God and the shared humanity of all.

* [Proverbs 14:31](/proverbs/14-31 "Proverbs 14:31 - Oppressing the Poor Dishonors God")
* [Job 34:19](/job/34-19 "Job 34:19 - God's Impartiality Towards All")
* [James 2:1-4](/james/2-1-4 "James 2:1-4 - Warning Against Partiality")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse calls us to a profound reorientation of our perspective on wealth, poverty, and human worth. In a world often driven by economic distinctions and the pursuit of material gain, Proverbs 22:2 serves as a powerful corrective, reminding us that our ultimate identity and value are not found in our financial statements or social standing, but in our shared origin as creatures of the sovereign LORD. For those who are wealthy, it is a call to profound humility and responsible stewardship, recognizing that all possessions are ultimately gifts from God, to be managed for His glory and the good of others, particularly the vulnerable. For those who are poor, it offers immense dignity and affirmation, reminding them that their worth is not diminished by their circumstances, for they are equally beloved and intricately crafted by the divine hand. For all, it is an imperative to dismantle societal prejudices, to resist the temptation to judge others based on their economic status, and to treat every person with respect, compassion, and justice, reflecting God's own impartial love for all His creation. It compels us to see past superficial differences and embrace our common humanity, fostering a community where the inherent dignity of every individual is honored and cherished.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth that "the LORD is the maker of them all" challenge your own preconceived notions or societal biases about the rich and the poor?**
* **In what practical ways can you demonstrate the inherent dignity of both the wealthy and the impoverished in your daily interactions and community involvement?**
* **How might this verse influence your approach to issues of economic justice and social inequality within your church or broader society?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply that God *causes* people to be rich or poor?**

Answer: This verse primarily emphasizes God's ultimate role as the Creator of all humanity, regardless of their economic status. It asserts that both the rich and the poor exist under His sovereign hand and are equally His creation. It does not explicitly state that God directly causes individual wealth or poverty in every instance, but rather that He is the ultimate source and sustainer of all life. While God can certainly bless with wealth or allow poverty for His purposes (as seen in the stories of Job or Joseph), the verse's main point is about shared origin and inherent dignity, rather than a deterministic cause for individual economic circumstances. The broader biblical narrative acknowledges various factors contributing to wealth and poverty, including diligence, wisdom, injustice, oppression, and natural disasters, all operating within God's overarching sovereignty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 22:2 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As the eternal Son, Jesus is Himself the very agent through whom all things were made, including every rich and poor person, for "all things were created through him and for him" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator")). He is the divine "maker" who brings all humanity into being and sustains their existence. More significantly, Jesus perfectly embodies the truth of inherent equality and shared humanity. Though "he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")). He intentionally identified with the marginalized and the poor, ministering to them, healing them, and declaring that true blessedness belongs to the "poor in spirit" ([Matthew 5:3](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - Beatitudes: Poor in Spirit")). Through His atoning work on the cross, Jesus broke down all dividing walls of hostility, including those based on social or economic status, creating "one new humanity" in Himself ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). In Christ, there is no longer "Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")), a unity that transcends all earthly distinctions, including wealth and poverty, because all are equally redeemed by His blood and equally valued as His beloved children. His kingdom is one where the last are first, and the first are last, leveling all human pride and elevating the humble, truly fulfilling the divine declaration of a common Creator for all.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 31:15

Did not he that made me in the womb make him? and did not one fashion us in the womb?

Proverbs 14:31

¶ He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.

1 Samuel 2:7

The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.

Proverbs 29:13

¶ The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.

Job 34:19

[How much less to him] that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all [are] the work of his hands.

James 2:2

For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;

James 2:5

Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?