A couple of weeks ago, I posted “The vote is in…are you ready?” (Please click on the following link and read:
https://soakinguptheson.com/new/daily-journaling/the-vote-is-in-are-you-ready/)
I must confess, I read the first Wise Saying in numerous translations and my thoughts would take me to various political situations that is occurring in our world today regarding the “poor”.  There was wrestling within me. I struggled with the words to type, even after much study and understanding of what the word “poor” meant in these verses of the bible. Even when I asked my husband for his input, we were in agreement, yet our conclusion seemed all so uncomplicated. Have you ever overanalyzed a situation, when the answer is really staring you right in the face?  That’s totally me! After almost two weeks of attempting to decipher the words to express, I simply asked God, “Lord, please reveal to me a personal situation that I’ve experienced so that I can grasp the meaning of Proverbs 22:22-23.
Well, throughout the Bible we are instructed to ask and ye shall receive, and God (as God does) stayed true to His word.  It was almost instantaneously that God flooded my mind with examples of being “poor”. Now, this study became more real and not “political or social”.
It was as if God’s vote (see link above) truly did come to life, again…I asked and he answered. James 1:6, “If any of you lack a wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.  But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”
Remember…I’m no bible scholar, just a girl who loves Jesus and desires to know Him more.  God often reveals Himself and His teachings through various events or glances throughout the day. I have absolutely no idea what direction God will guide me in over the Wise Sayings, but I’m committed to growing in wisdom and sharing His love.
Wise Saying #1:
It is easy to steal from the poor, but don’t do it. And don’t take advantage of them in court. The Lord is on their side. He supports the poor, and he will take from those who take from them.  Proverbs 22:22-23
From what I have studied, the word poor in Proverbs 22:22-23 means dal and oni from the Orthodox Jewish Bible translation and further research.  Dal meaning weak and lowly, and oni being defined as afflicted.
Here are a few verses in which dal is used:

• “You must never do anything bad to women whose husbands are dead or to orphans. If you do anything wrong to these widows or orphans, I will know it. I will hear about their suffering. And I will be very angry. I will kill you with a sword. Then your wives will become widows, and your children will become orphans.”  Exodus 22:22-24 ERV
• “Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow.” Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”  Deuteronomy 27:19 NIV
• The worship that God wants is this: caring for orphans or widows who need help and keeping yourself free from the world’s evil influence. This is the kind of worship that God accepts as pure and good. James 1:27 ERV
• Whoever takes advantage of the poor insults their Maker, but whoever is kind to them honors him. Proverbs 14:31 ERV
• Those who mock the poor insult their Maker; those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished. Proverbs 17:5 NLT
• “If you loan money to any of my people, that is, the poor among you, don’t be like a moneylender and charge them interest. Exodus 22:25 ERV
• “In court, don’t let anyone take advantage of a person simply because that person is poor.  Exodus 23:6 ERV
• Exodus 23:3 says, “Don’t slant your testimony in favor of a person just because that person is poor (dal).”  In the bottom section of my study bible it reads, “let the fairness God shows each of us guide your judgement.”

You may be like me and have your thoughts run rampant, yet allow me to share a bit more light on the meaning of these verses.  Anyone who is over the poor/weak/lowly is a leader. Examples of leaders are husbands, parents, employers, etc.. In the bottom section of my study bible, the commentator typed, “Leadership through kindness is more effective and longer lasting than leadership by force.”  Amen! Whatever leadership position you find yourself in, show compassion and kindness to the “dal” that you are a leader over. I know that when I taught, my teaching was more effective when I demonstrated respect and kindness to my students (especially those who weren’t always the most willing to learn or behave.)
Thought:  it appears that throughout scripture when dal/poor is mentioned, God doesn’t’ show favoritisms and that it doesn’t matter your wealth or condition, we must all do right, be fair, and we will all be judged by God. Zechariah 7:9-10, “This is what the Lord of heaven’s Armies says:  Judge fairly, and show mercy and kindness to one another. Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor. And do not scheme against each other.”
When I read Proverbs 22:22-23 to my husband and asked for his understanding, Tim replied, “We should all apply The Golden Rule, ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’” That’s exactly what I thought too.  This saying isn’t just what man calls The Golden Rule, this is scripture. In Luke 6:31 Jesus says, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
When I asked God to reveal to me personal illustrations, He did.  One of the examples He showed me was when I was laid up for months after a fall and surgery.  I was “dal”. God supported me through many friends and family. Whether their contribution was via food supplied, prayer, cards, visits, or just sweet thoughts without me knowing, God provided support to me through that season. Tim was a rockstar! He was selfless and assisted me without any complaint.  God gave me reminders to be still, accept help when in need, pray for others, all things happen in His time, and totally rely on God and seek His will.
Another example is when my mother-in-law unexpectedly left this earth way too early.  The love and support that was shown through others was overwhelming, yet the support God gave through his strength, peace, comfort, and love was bountiful.
As God blesses us, we should bless others.
I’ve enjoyed digging deep into God’s word regarding the word dal (poor).  The pages echo of God’s fairness, our need to be honest, humble, and fair, and that God will not let people go unpunished.
There will be times in your life when you are dal, and times when you will be the leader.  Just remember to treat others as you would want to be treated, be respectful and kind, show compassion, and be fair.
I hope that you will join me on this adventure as I study the 30 Wise Saying in Proverbs 22 through 24.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie

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