Proverbs 29:7

7 The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.

Proverbs 29:7 in Other Translations

7 The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.

7 A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.

7 The godly care about the rights of the poor; the wicked don’t care at all.

7 The good-hearted understand what it's like to be poor; the hardhearted haven't the faintest idea.

7 The righteous person knows the rights of the poor, but the wicked one does not understand these concerns.

Proverbs 29:7 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 29:7

The righteous considereth the cause of the poor
Not his poverty and distress, so as to relieve him, which yet he does, ( Psalms 41:1 ) ; nor the person of the poor in judgment, and which he ought not to do; for as he should not regard a rich man's person, and favour him, because he is rich; so neither a poor man, because he is poor, through an affectation of mercy, ( Leviticus 19:15 ) ; but the cause of the poor, and the justice of that, and do him justice, though a poor man. This is to be understood chiefly of a civil magistrate, a judge righteous; who will take notice of and regard a poor man's cause, and take a good deal of pains and care that he is not injured. Or, "knoweth the judgment of the poor" ^F13 he acquaints himself with his case, makes himself thoroughly master of it, searches out his cause as Job did, ( Proverbs 29:16 ) ; [but] the wicked regardeth not to know [it];
or, "does not understand knowledge" ^F14 of the poor man's cause and case; and there being no money to be had, he does not care to consider it, and look into it, and get knowledge of it, and do him justice; he will not take his cause in hand, or plead it.

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FOOTNOTES:

F13 (Myld Nyd qydu edy) "novit justus causan pauperum", V. L. "cognoscit", Pagninus, Tigurine version, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator "novit et curat justus judicum pauperum", Michaelis; "cognoscit justus litem tenuiem", Schultens.
F14 (ted Nyby al) "non intellilget scientiam", Paguinus, Montanus; "intelligit", Mercerus, Piscator, Gejerus, Michaelis, Schultens.

Proverbs 29:7 In-Context

5 Those who flatter their neighbors are spreading nets for their feet.

6 Evildoers are snared by their own sin, but the righteous shout for joy and are glad.

7 The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.

8 Mockers stir up a city, but the wise turn away anger.

9 If a wise person goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.

Cross References

• 1. Job 29:16; Psalms 41:1; Proverbs 31:8-9