TRV
- English
- King James KJV
- Complete Jewish CJB
- World English WEBM
- Berean Standard BSB
- American Standard ASV
- Geneva GNV
- Young's Literal YLT
- Douay-Rheims DRC
- International
- Shqip ALB
- العربية SVD
- বাংলা BN-IRV
- မြန်မာ Judson
- 简体文 CUV-S
- 繁體中文 CUV-T
- Čeština BKR
- Nederlands STVE
- Français LSG
- Deutsch SCH
- Ελληνικά Vamvas
- ગુજરાતી GU-IRV
- Hausa HCB
- עברית Hebrew
- हिन्दी HCV
- Magyar KAROLI
- Bahasa Indonesia INDO-TB
- Italiano Diodati
- 日本語 Kougo
- 한국어 Korean
- മലയാളം MAL
- मराठी MRCV
- Norsk DNB
- فارسی OPV
- Polski BG
- Português Almeida
- Română Cornilescu
- Русский Synodal
- Español RVG
- Kiswahili Neno
- Svenska SV1917
- Tagalog TAG-ADB
- தமிழ் TCV
- తెలుగు TSA
- ภาษาไทย THAI-KJV
- Українська Ohienko
- Tiếng Việt CADMAN
- Yorùbá YCB
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 22:2.
Note, 1. Among the children of men divine Providence has so ordered it that some are rich and others poor, and these are intermixed in societies: The Lord is the Maker of both, both the author of their being and the disposer of their lot. The greatest man in the world must acknowledge God to be his Maker, and is under the same obligations to be subject to him that the meanest is; and the poorest has the honour to be the work of God's hands as much as the greatest. Have they not all one Father? Mal 2:10; Job 31:15. God makes some rich, that they may be charitable to the poor, and others poor, that they may be serviceable to the rich; and they have need of one another, Co1 12:21. He make some poor, to exercise their patience, and contentment, and dependence upon God, and others rich, to exercise their thankfulness and beneficence. Even the poor we have always with us; they shall never cease out of the land, nor the rich neither. 2. Notwithstanding the distance that is in many respects between rich and poor, yet in most things they meet together, especially before the Lord, who is the Maker of them all, and regards not the rich more than the poor, Job 34:19. Rich and poor meet together at the bar of God's justice, all guilty before God, concluded under sin, and shapen in iniquity, the rich as much as the poor; and they meet at the throne of God's grace; the poor are as welcome there as the rich. There is the same Christ, the same scripture, the same Spirit, the same covenant of promises, for them both. There is the same heaven for poor saints that there is for rich: Lazarus is in the bosom of Abraham. And there is the same hell for rich sinners that there is for poor. All stand upon the same level before God, as they do also in the grave. The small and great are there.
Historical interpretation
Three Centuries of Reception
5 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
The rich and the poor meet together. In what way, except in this present life? The rich and the poor are born alike. You meet one another as you walk along the way together. The poor must not defraud the rich; the rich must not oppress the poor. The one has need, the other has plenty, but “the Lord is the maker of them both.” The Lord helps the one in need by the one who has; by the one who has not the Lord tests the one who has.
“The poor man and the rich have met each other.” Where have they met each other? In this life. This one was born, that one was born, their lives were crossed, they have met each other. And who made them? The Lord. The rich man, to help the poor; the poor man, to test the rich.
Both of you are traveling the same road; you are companions on the journey. Lightly laden are the poor man’s shoulders, but yours are burdened with heavy luggage. Give away some of the load that is weighing you down; give away some of your luggage to the needy man—and you will thus afford relief both to yourself and to your companion. The Scripture says, “The rich and the poor have met one another, but the Lord has made them both.” Where have they met, except in this life? The one is now arrayed in costly garments, while the other is clad in rags. When did they meet? Both were born naked, and even the rich man was born poor. Let him disregard what he found when he had come; let him consider what he brought with him.
I beseech you, beloved brethren, be eager to engage in divine reading whatever hours you can. Moreover, since what a person procures in this life by reading or good works will be the food of his soul forever, let no one try to excuse himself by saying he has not learned letters at all. If those who are illiterate love God in truth, they look for learned people who can read the sacred Scriptures to them. This even illiterate merchants have learned to do, for they hire literate mercenaries and through their reading or writing acquire great profits. Now, if people do this for earthly wealth, how much more should we do it for the sake of eternal life? It often happens that a learned person may be poor in food or clothing, while one who does not know letters has more abundant wealth. The illiterate person who abounds in earthly goods summons the poor learned one, and they mutually give each other what they need. The one by reading feeds the other with the sweet word of God, while the other by giving material substance does not allow his neighbor to suffer want. The learned man should satisfy the soul of the rich man, while the latter should warm the body of the poor man with clothing and refresh him with earthly food. If this is done with charity, there will be fulfilled what is written: “The rich and poor have met one another: the Lord is the maker of them both.” Being pressed down with a heavy burden by possessing more than was necessary, the rich man was unable to walk, while the poor man perhaps was learned but was failing because of not having the necessities of life. For this reason, there was holy sharing on the part of both men. While the rich man gave the poor material wealth from his possessions, the poor man imparted the sacred lessons to the rich, and they both happily reach the eternal country on the road of this life.
The rich and the poor meet together, etc. Do not despise the rich because of their wealth and honors, nor the poor because of their poverty, but revere in each the merit that is the work of God, for they are made in the image and likeness of God.
Continue studying Proverbs 22:2 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
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, 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, 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 and Deuteronomy 24:19-22, 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, which states, "The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes."
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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.
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.
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.
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
FAQ
Does this verse imply that God causes people to be rich or poor?
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). 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). 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). 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). 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), 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.