Proverbs 22:22,23 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Rob not the poor, &c. Thus, after the preceding solemn preface, among the principal rules of life which he was about to lay down, he first commends this, not to be injurious to poor people; especially by oppressing them in a form of justice: as if he had said, Never abuse thy power to the spoiling of him who is in a mean condition; because he is poor And unable to resist thee, or to revenge himself upon thee. Do not take advantage of his poverty. Or, this clause may be considered as an argument against robbing him; as if he had said, Because he is a fitter object for thy pity and charity, than for thy injustice and cruelty; it is base and inhuman to crush such a person. Neither oppress the afflicted in the gate In the place of judgment, or under pretence of justice; and much less in other ways, where there is no colour of justice. For the Lord will plead their cause Which he hath in a peculiar manner undertaken to do; and will spoil the soul of those that spoiled them Will take away not only their goods, but their lives too. So fully will he recompense their wickedness to them.