Proverbs 22:2

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

Proverbs 22:2 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
2 The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.
English Standard Version (ESV)
2 The rich and the poor meet together; the LORD is the maker of them all.
New Living Translation (NLT)
2 The rich and poor have this in common: The LORD made them both.
The Message Bible (MSG)
2 The rich and the poor shake hands as equals - God made them both!
American Standard Version (ASV)
2 The rich and the poor meet together: Jehovah is the maker of them all.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
2 The rich and the poor have this in common: the LORD is the maker of them all.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
2 The rich and the poor have this in common: the Lord made them both.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
2 The LORD made rich people and poor people. That's what they have in common.

Proverbs 22:2 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 22:2

The rich and poor meet together
In an hostile way, as some; they rush upon one another; the rich despise the poor, and the poor envy the rich; they cannot speak well one of another, as the Arabic version; or they are dependent on one another, they cannot do without each other; as in the natural body one member cannot say to another, I have no need of thee; so, in the body politic, the rich and the poor cannot say they have no need of one another; the rich stand in need of the poor to till their land, to plough and sow, and do all other servile works for them; and the poor have need of the rich to employ them; have need of their money as their wages for their work, to support themselves and families with: or they sometimes change conditions, and so meet; the poor grow rich, and the rich become poor; the one goes uphill and the other downhill, and so meet in their passage. They meet together in all places of the earth; go where you will, there are rich and poor. The godly rich and poor meet together in one place to worship God; they meet together in a Gospel church state, enjoying the same privileges and ordinances; and will all meet the Lord, and all meet together at his judgment seat; and they will meet in heaven, and be together to all eternity, where the distinction will cease: and the wicked rich and poor meet together to commit sin; and they meet together in the grave F17, where there is no difference; and they will meet at the bar of God at the last day, and in hell, where they will be together for evermore; the Lord [is] the Maker of them all:
not only as men, but as rich men and poor men; God gives riches to whom he pleases, and poverty to whom he pleases; riches and poverty are according to the order of divine Providence; and he can and does change scenes at his pleasure; wherefore the rich should consider themselves as dependent on him, and not despise and crush the poor; and the poor should be content with their state, as being allotted to them by the Lord, who can alter it when he thinks fit.


FOOTNOTES:

F17 "Victor cum victis pariter miscebitur umbris--Lydus Delichio, non ditat Croesus ab Iro", Propert. l. 3. Eleg. 5. v. 15, 17.

Proverbs 22:2 In-Context

1 A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
2 Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all.
3 The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
4 Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life.
5 In the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls, but those who would preserve their life stay far from them.

Cross References 1

  • 1. S Job 31:15; Proverbs 29:13; Matthew 5:45
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