Proverbs 22:22-23 (ESV)
22 Do not rob the poor, because he is poor,
or crush the afflicted at the gate,
23 for the Lord will plead their cause
and rob of life those who rob them.
Saying 2 explains that in the ancient Near East, the city’s gate was where cases were heard and tried by the leaders of the community. The destitute counted upon the kindness of their more affluent neighbors, yet were often taken advantage of, swindled and even robbed by wicked men. The poor could not legally protect themselves from financial exploitation, and those who were sick needed the righteous to advocate for them in court. Those who take advantage of others may think they are getting away with it, but they forget that God stands up for the oppressed. The Lord himself will plead their case. The one who takes from the impoverished will have his very life taken by God. Even though our court systems may fail at times, God keeps a flawless record of all injustice. Don’t worry about getting revenge. Instead, entrust yourself to the one who judges justly. In the end, he will make sure that you aren’t ripped off.