The rich and the poor have this in common:This phrase highlights the universal truth that regardless of economic status, all people share certain fundamental aspects of existence. In biblical times, society was often divided into distinct classes, with the rich having significant power and influence, while the poor were frequently marginalized. This statement serves as a reminder of the inherent equality of all individuals before God. The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness, as seen in passages like
Leviticus 19:15, which instructs not to show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but to judge your neighbor fairly. This theme is echoed in the New Testament, where
James 2:1-9 warns against showing favoritism based on wealth.
The LORD is Maker of them all.
This phrase underscores the belief in God as the Creator of all humanity, affirming that every person, regardless of their social or economic status, is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This concept is foundational to the biblical worldview, which sees all human life as valuable and worthy of dignity and respect. The acknowledgment of God as the Maker of all also implies His sovereignty and authority over creation, as well as His intimate involvement in the lives of individuals. This idea is further supported by passages such asPsalm 139:13-16, which speaks of God's intricate knowledge and formation of each person in the womb. The recognition of God as Creator serves as a call to humility and gratitude, reminding believers that all they have is ultimately from Him, and it encourages a spirit of unity and compassion among people of different backgrounds.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The RichIndividuals who possess an abundance of material wealth and resources. In biblical times, wealth was often seen as a sign of God's blessing, but it also came with responsibilities.
2.
The PoorThose who lack material wealth and resources. The Bible frequently addresses the plight of the poor and calls for justice and compassion towards them.
3.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing His role as Creator and Sustainer of all people, regardless of their social or economic status.
Teaching Points
Equality Before GodRegardless of economic status, every person is created by God and holds intrinsic value. This should shape how we view and treat others.
God's SovereigntyRecognize that God is the Maker of all, and He has a purpose for both the rich and the poor. Trust in His sovereign plan for each life.
Call to CompassionAs believers, we are called to show compassion and kindness to all, especially those in need, reflecting God's love and justice.
Stewardship of ResourcesThose with wealth are called to be good stewards, using their resources to help others and advance God's kingdom.
Avoiding FavoritismIn our communities and churches, we must strive to treat everyone with equal respect, avoiding favoritism based on wealth or status.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 22:2?
2.How does Proverbs 22:2 emphasize God's sovereignty over rich and poor alike?
3.What practical ways can we treat rich and poor with equal respect?
4.How does James 2:1-9 relate to Proverbs 22:2's message on partiality?
5.In what ways can we reflect God's impartiality in our daily interactions?
6.How can Proverbs 22:2 guide our attitudes towards wealth and poverty?
7.How does Proverbs 22:2 address the concept of equality between rich and poor?
8.What does Proverbs 22:2 reveal about God's role in creating social classes?
9.How should Christians interpret the phrase "The LORD is the maker of them all"?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 22?
11.What is the Bible's stance on classism?
12.Proverbs 22:2: How can a just God create both rich and poor yet allow extreme wealth inequality to persist?
13.What is the Bible's view on poverty?
14.What does the Bible say about wealth inequality?What Does Proverbs 22:2 Mean
The rich and the poor• Scripture acknowledges real economic distinctions without endorsing favoritism. As1 Samuel 2:7 reminds us, “The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts.”
• Wealth and poverty both fall within God’s sovereign allowance (Proverbs 10:22;1 Timothy 6:17).
• Every status group carries unique temptations—pride for the wealthy (Luke 12:16-21) and despair for the poor (Proverbs 30:8-9)—yet both remain accountable to the same moral standards (Exodus 20).
have this in common• Despite outward contrasts, there is a shared humanity that erases any grounds for superiority.Job 34:19 states that God “shows no partiality to princes and does not favor the rich over the poor, for they are all the work of His hands.”
• Because this common ground is God-given, believers must not show partiality (James 2:1-4).
• Practical fallout:
– Treat each person with equal dignity (Proverbs 14:31).
– Use influence or possessions to serve, not dominate (Luke 3:11;Acts 4:34-35).
The LORD is Maker of them all• The verse anchors equality in creation itself: “So God created man in His own image” (Genesis 1:27).
•Malachi 2:10 asks, “Have we not all one Father? Did not one God create us?”—a rhetorical reminder that covenant unfaithfulness toward others is ultimately offense against the Creator.
• Because the same Lord formed both classes, stewardship—not ownership—defines the rich (Matthew 25:14-30), and trust—not resentment—guides the poor (Psalm 37:7-9).
• Any societal structure that contradicts God’s impartial creation order invites His correction (Isaiah 10:1-3).
summaryProverbs 22:2 levels the playing field: different bank accounts, same Creator. The verse rebukes pride, comforts the lowly, and summons every believer to act justly, show mercy, and steward resources in light of the Lord who “is Maker of them all.”
(2)
The rich and poor meet together.--Are thrown together in the world in order to aid each other in the path through life, remembering that they are brethren, sons of one Father. (Comp.
1Corinthians 12:27.)
Verse 2. -
The rich and poor meet together (
Proverbs 29:13):
the Lord is the Maker of them all (
Job 34:19). God has ordained that there shall be rich and poor in the world, and that they should meet in the intercourse of life. These social inequalities are ordered for wise purposes; the one helps the other. The labour of the poor makes the wealth of the rich; the wealth of the rich enables him to employ and aid the poor. Their common humanity, their fatherhood in God, should make them regard one another as brethren, without distinction of rank or position: the rich should not despise the poor (
Proverbs 14:31;
Proverbs 17:5;
Job 31:15), the poor should not envy the rich (
Proverbs 3:31), but all should live in love and harmony as one great family of God.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The richעָשִׁ֣יר(‘ā·šîr)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6223:Richand the poorוָרָ֣שׁ(wā·rāš)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7326:To be in want or poorhave this in common:נִפְגָּ֑שׁוּ(nip̄·gā·šū)Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 6298:To come in contact with, to concurthe LORDיְהוָֽה׃(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel[is] the makerעֹשֵׂ֖ה(‘ō·śêh)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6213:To do, makeof all.כֻלָּ֣ם(ḵul·lām)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, every
Links
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 22:2 The rich and the poor have this (Prov. Pro Pr) 
