Proverbs 28:3

KJV

¶ A poor man that oppresseth the poor [is like] a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

KJV (with Strong's)

A poor {H7326} man {H1397} that oppresseth {H6231} the poor {H1800} is like a sweeping {H5502} rain {H4306} which leaveth no food {H3899}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A poor man who oppresses the weak is like a downpour that sweeps away all the food.

Berean Standard Bible

A destitute leader who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food.

American Standard Version

A needy man that oppresseth the poor Islikea sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 28:3 issues a severe warning against a particularly egregious form of injustice: the exploitation of the vulnerable by those who themselves have experienced hardship. This proverb likens a poor person who oppresses others in similar or worse circumstances to a devastating, sweeping rain that washes away all sustenance, leaving behind utter desolation and famine. It highlights the profound moral failure and destructive impact of such hypocrisy, emphasizing that this internal oppression is far more ruinous than external forces, as it eradicates any hope of recovery or survival within the community of the disadvantaged.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 28 is part of a larger collection of wisdom sayings (chapters 25-29) attributed to Solomon, which were compiled by the men of Hezekiah. This section frequently contrasts the righteous and the wicked, exploring themes of justice, governance, wealth, poverty, and integrity. Proverbs 28:3 immediately follows a verse that speaks of wicked rulers causing oppression and a righteous ruler prolonging days (Proverbs 28:2). It precedes proverbs that discuss the integrity of the righteous versus the deceit of the wicked, and the importance of caring for the poor. The proverb's placement underscores the book's consistent concern for social justice and its condemnation of any form of exploitation, especially by those in positions to know better or to offer help. It is a stark example of the moral inversion that wisdom literature often exposes, where expected empathy is replaced by cruel exploitation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society, like many agrarian societies, was highly stratified, yet its Mosaic Law contained numerous provisions for the care of the poor, the widow, and the orphan ([Deuteronomy 15:7-11](/deuteronomy/15-7 "Deuteronomy 15:7-11 - Laws Concerning the Poor")). There was a strong ethical imperative to protect the vulnerable, rooted in the memory of Israel's own oppression in Egypt ([Exodus 22:21-27](/exodus/22-21 "Exodus 22:21-27 - Laws Concerning Social Justice")). The concept of a "poor man oppressing the poor" would have been particularly shocking and abhorrent in this context. It speaks to a scenario where someone, perhaps having gained a slight advantage or a position of minor authority, uses that leverage to exploit those still struggling, rather than showing solidarity. This could manifest in various ways, such as a tenant farmer cheating a fellow tenant, a small merchant defrauding a poorer customer, or even a formerly enslaved person exploiting another. The imagery of a "sweeping rain" reflects the dependence of an agricultural society on rain for sustenance; a destructive deluge was a real and terrifying threat, symbolizing utter ruin.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent throughout the Book of Proverbs and broader biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Justice and Injustice**, particularly condemning the most perverse forms of oppression where the vulnerable prey on the vulnerable. This contrasts sharply with the biblical call for righteous governance and compassion for the needy, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 31:8-9](/proverbs/31-8 "Proverbs 31:8-9 - Speak Up for the Voiceless"). Secondly, it explores the theme of **Hypocrisy and Moral Corruption**, exposing the profound moral decay when shared experience of hardship does not lead to empathy but to further exploitation. This is a betrayal of solidarity. Thirdly, the vivid imagery emphasizes the theme of **Consequences of Wickedness**, illustrating that such actions lead to total devastation, not merely hardship. The "sweeping rain" metaphor underscores that this particular kind of injustice leaves nothing behind, mirroring the complete ruin described elsewhere for those who reject wisdom and righteousness ([Proverbs 1:32](/proverbs/1-32 "Proverbs 1:32 - The Ruin of the Simple")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **man (Hebrew, _geber'_):** H1397, from גָּבַר; properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply; every one, man, [idiom] mighty. While often translated simply as "man," _geber_ can carry a connotation of strength or capability, suggesting that the "poor man" in this proverb is not utterly helpless but possesses some degree of agency or even slight advantage that he then abuses. This adds a layer of moral culpability, as he is not merely a victim but an active perpetrator.
* **oppresseth (Hebrew, _‘âshaq'_):** H6231, a primitive root (compare עָשַׂק); to press upon, i.e., oppress, defraud, violate, overflow; get deceitfully, deceive, defraud, drink up, (use) oppress(-ion), -or), do violence (wrong). This word signifies a forceful, unjust, and often violent imposition of power or authority, leading to the deprivation of rights or property. It implies not just neglect but active wrongdoing, a deliberate act of exploitation that violates justice and often involves deceit or violence.
* **sweeping (Hebrew, _çâchaph'_):** H5502, a primitive root; to scrape off; sweep (away). This term vividly describes the action of a torrential downpour that is so powerful it literally "sweeps away" everything in its path—soil, crops, and any hope of future harvest. It denotes utter destruction, leaving nothing productive behind, unlike a gentle, life-giving rain. The imagery underscores the complete and devastating ruin caused by the oppressor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A poor man that oppresseth the poor":** This clause introduces the shocking paradox at the heart of the proverb. It describes an individual who, despite (or perhaps because of) their own experience with poverty and vulnerability, turns to exploit others who are similarly or even more disadvantaged. This highlights a profound moral failure and a betrayal of shared suffering, where empathy is replaced by predatory behavior.
* **"[is like] a sweeping rain":** This introduces the simile, comparing the oppressor's actions to a specific, destructive natural phenomenon. The "sweeping rain" is not a beneficial, nourishing shower but a violent, torrential downpour. The implied verb "is like" makes the comparison direct and forceful, equating the oppressor's character and impact to this destructive force of nature.
* **"which leaveth no food":** This final clause completes the simile, detailing the devastating consequence of the "sweeping rain." Just as a destructive flood washes away all crops and fertile soil, leaving no sustenance or hope for future harvest, so too does the oppression by a "poor man" leave nothing for the victims. This emphasizes the absolute and complete ruin brought about by such injustice, eradicating not just present resources but future prospects for survival.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 28:3 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message. The most prominent is **Simile**, directly comparing the "poor man that oppresseth the poor" to a "sweeping rain which leaveth no food." This comparison is highly effective because it draws on a common, tangible experience in an agrarian society: the difference between life-giving rain and destructive floods. The **Imagery** of the "sweeping rain" is vivid and visceral, evoking a sense of total devastation, famine, and hopelessness. It’s not just a bad outcome, but an utter wiping away of all sustenance. This also functions as **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the destructive impact to emphasize the severity of the injustice; while oppression is terrible, it is here likened to an act of nature that leaves literally "no food," suggesting complete and irreversible ruin. Furthermore, the proverb utilizes **Paradox** by presenting a "poor man" (one who should understand hardship) as the oppressor, creating a morally inverted scenario that is particularly reprehensible and shocking.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb profoundly underscores the biblical emphasis on justice, particularly for the vulnerable. It highlights that true righteousness involves not only refraining from evil but actively seeking the welfare of the marginalized. The "poor man oppressing the poor" represents a perversion of the social order God intends, where empathy and solidarity should prevail, especially among those who share common struggles. This act is depicted as utterly destructive, mirroring the comprehensive ruin that results from rejecting God's wisdom and moral order. It speaks to the deep spiritual corruption that allows self-interest to override compassion, even when faced with shared vulnerability.

* [Amos 5:11-12](/amos/5-11 "Amos 5:11-12 - Injustice Condemned")
* [Micah 2:1-2](/micah/2-1 "Micah 2:1-2 - Woes to Oppressors")
* [Isaiah 10:1-2](/isaiah/10-1 "Isaiah 10:1-2 - Injustice to the Poor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 28:3 serves as a stark mirror, challenging us to examine our own hearts and actions, particularly concerning those who are less fortunate. It calls us to a profound empathy, reminding us that our own experiences of hardship should cultivate compassion and solidarity, not provide a pretext for exploiting others. This proverb speaks to the insidious nature of oppression that can arise even from unexpected quarters, warning against the temptation to leverage any slight advantage over those in greater need. It compels us to consider how we use whatever resources, influence, or knowledge we possess—whether in our personal lives, professional dealings, or societal engagement—to either uplift or inadvertently contribute to the distress of others. True wisdom, as taught in Proverbs, demands that we be agents of relief and support for the vulnerable, actively working against cycles of suffering and injustice, and fostering environments where all can find sustenance and hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How might my own experiences of hardship or vulnerability, if not properly processed, lead me to a lack of empathy or even exploitation of others?**
* **In what ways might I, subtly or overtly, contribute to the oppression of those less fortunate, even if I consider myself "poor" in some aspect?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure that my actions, whether personal or professional, are life-giving and supportive, rather than "sweeping rain" that leaves no food for others?**
* **How does this proverb challenge my understanding of justice and my responsibility to advocate for the marginalized in my community or society?**

### FAQ

**What does "a sweeping rain which leaveth no food" mean in this proverb?**

Answer: The phrase "a sweeping rain which leaveth no food" is a powerful simile used to describe the utterly destructive nature of a poor person oppressing another poor person. In an agrarian society, rain is essential for life and crops. However, a "sweeping rain" (Hebrew: _çâchaph_) refers to a torrential, destructive flood that washes away topsoil, seeds, and existing crops, leaving the land barren and incapable of producing food. It symbolizes complete and utter ruin, not just a temporary setback. The proverb uses this imagery to convey that the oppression of the vulnerable by one who should understand their plight is not merely harmful but absolutely devastating, eradicating all hope and sustenance, much like a famine caused by a destructive deluge.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 28:3, with its stark depiction of a "poor man that oppresseth the poor," finds its ultimate fulfillment and reversal in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb highlights the profound moral failure when shared vulnerability leads to exploitation, Christ embodies the perfect opposite: divine solidarity that leads to ultimate redemption. Though infinitely rich, Christ "became poor" for our sake ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Example of Giving")), identifying fully with humanity's impoverished and oppressed state under sin. Far from oppressing the poor, Jesus consistently ministered to them, healed them, fed them, and championed their cause against the self-righteous and powerful ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). He is the true "Lamb of God" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) who, instead of sweeping away food, became the Bread of Life, offering eternal sustenance to all who believe ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). His sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate act of self-giving, bearing the oppression of sin so that humanity might be liberated from its devastating effects, leaving behind not desolation but an abundance of life and grace ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")). Thus, Christ reverses the proverb's tragic scenario, demonstrating that true power and wisdom are found in sacrificial love and upliftment, not in exploitation, even by those who understand hardship.

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

Matthew 18:28

But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took [him] by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.

Matthew 18:30

And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.