by Dorcas Kulwa | 15 October 2022 08:46 am10
Proverbs 22:2 (ESV)
“The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the maker of them all.”
QUESTION: What does this verse mean?
ANSWER:
This verse emphasizes the fundamental truth that, regardless of our social or economic status, every human being shares the same origin—God. The rich and the poor may live vastly different lives, but they are equal in their creation and in their value before the Lord.
God is not partial to the rich nor does He overlook the poor. Scripture affirms in Romans 2:11, “For God shows no partiality.” In His eyes, all human beings are made in His image (Genesis 1:27) and are of equal worth and dignity.
In daily life, although there may be tension between the rich and the poor—envy from the poor and pride from the rich—they are interdependent. The poor may seek employment or support from the wealthy, while the rich often depend on the labor and services of the poor. This mutual need reflects God’s design for community and cooperation.
Jesus Himself ministered to both the rich (like Nicodemus in John 3) and the poor (like blind Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46–52), showing us that salvation is available to all, regardless of status. The gospel, in fact, has a unique emphasis on the poor:
James 2:5 (ESV) says, “Has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?”
At the same time, the Bible warns the rich not to be proud or to place their hope in wealth:
1 Timothy 6:17–18 (ESV) says, “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty… They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.”
This verse in Proverbs ultimately reminds us that all people—regardless of their station in life—stand equal before a holy God. No one is self-sufficient; we are designed to rely on one another and, most importantly, on God.
It teaches humility, unity, and respect:
Micah 6:8 (ESV) says, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
In a world that often values people based on status or possessions, God calls us to live differently—recognizing the divine image in each person and valuing them accordingly.
APPLICATION:
Let us learn to appreciate each other, knowing that someone you may think is beneath you could one day be the very person God uses to bless you. Let us live peacefully, serve one another in love, and uphold each other in dignity and mutual respect.
Shalom.
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