Proverbs 29:7
Proverbs 29:7 in Multiple Translations
The righteous consider the cause of the poor, but the wicked have no regard for such concerns.
The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.
The righteous taketh knowledge of the cause of the poor; The wicked hath not understanding to know it.
The upright man gives attention to the cause of the poor: the evil-doer gives no thought to it.
Good people care about treating the poor fairly, but the wicked don't think about it at all.
The righteous knoweth the cause of the poore: but the wicked regardeth not knowledge.
The righteous knoweth the plea of the poor, The wicked understandeth not knowledge.
The righteous care about justice for the poor. The wicked aren’t concerned about knowledge.
The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it .
The just taketh notice of the cause of the poor: the wicked is void of knowledge.
Righteous/Good people know that poor people should be treated fairly/justly, but wicked people ◄are not concerned about/do not pay attention to► those matters at all.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 29:7
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 29:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יֹדֵ֣עַ
צַ֭דִּיק
דִּ֣ין
דַּלִּ֑ים
רָ֝שָׁ֗ע
לֹא
יָבִ֥ין
דָּֽעַת
יֹדֵ֣עַ
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal
צַ֭דִּיק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
דִּ֣ין
dîyn
H1779
judgment
N-ms
דַּלִּ֑ים
dal
H1800
poor
Adj
רָ֝שָׁ֗ע
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יָבִ֥ין
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
דָּֽעַת
daʻath
H1847
knowledge
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 29:7
יֹדֵ֣עַ
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
צַ֭דִּיק
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
דִּ֣ין
dîyn
H1779
"judgment"
N-ms
Judgment or a legal suit is the meaning of this word, used to describe a cause, plea, or dispute in the Bible.
Definition: 1) judgment 1a) judgment 1b) cause, plea 1c) condemnation, judgment 1d) dispute, legal suit, strife 1e) government Aramaic equivalent: din (דִּין "judgment" H1780)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: cause, judgement, plea, strife. See also: Deuteronomy 17:8; Proverbs 20:8; Psalms 9:5.
דַּלִּ֑ים
dal
H1800
"poor"
Adj
The Hebrew word for someone who is poor or weak, often describing those in need of help or assistance. In the book of Proverbs, it warns against oppressing the poor, and in Psalm 35:10, it describes the needy and the poor. The word is also used in Isaiah 41:17.
Definition: low, poor, weak, thin, one who is low
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: lean, needy, poor (man), weaker. See also: Exodus 23:3; Proverbs 19:17; Psalms 41:2.
רָ֝שָׁ֗ע
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָבִ֥ין
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
דָּֽעַת
daʻath
H1847
"knowledge"
N-fs
In the Bible, daath means knowledge or understanding, like when Solomon asked God for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9. It involves skill and perception, and is often linked to wisdom. This concept appears in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) knowledge 1a) knowledge, perception, skill 1b) discernment, understanding, wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly). See also: Genesis 2:9; Proverbs 14:7; Psalms 19:3.
Study Notes — Proverbs 29:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 29:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 29:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 29:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 29:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 29:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 29:7
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 29:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 29:7
- Sermons on Proverbs 29:7
Context — The Flourishing of the Righteous
5A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
6An evil man is caught by his own sin, but a righteous one sings and rejoices.
7The righteous consider the cause of the poor, but the wicked have no regard for such concerns.
8Mockers inflame a city, but the wise turn away anger. 9If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 29:16 | I was a father to the needy, and I took up the case of the stranger. |
| 2 | Psalms 41:1 | Blessed is the one who cares for the poor; the LORD will deliver him in the day of trouble. |
| 3 | Proverbs 21:13 | Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer. |
| 4 | Proverbs 31:8–9 | Open your mouth for those with no voice, for the cause of all the dispossessed. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy. |
| 5 | Galatians 6:1 | Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 22:15–17 | Does it make you a king to excel in cedar? Did not your father have food and drink? He administered justice and righteousness, and so it went well with him. He took up the cause of the poor and needy, and so it went well with him. Is this not what it means to know Me?” declares the LORD. “But your eyes and heart are set on nothing except your own dishonest gain, on shedding innocent blood, on practicing extortion and oppression.” |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 25:9–11 | When David’s young men arrived, they relayed all these words to Nabal on behalf of David. Then they waited. But Nabal asked them, “Who is David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants these days are breaking away from their masters. Why should I take my bread and water and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give them to these men whose origin I do not know?” |
| 8 | Jeremiah 5:28 | They have grown fat and sleek, and have excelled in the deeds of the wicked. They have not taken up the cause of the fatherless, that they might prosper; nor have they defended the rights of the needy. |
| 9 | Ezekiel 22:29–31 | The people of the land have practiced extortion and committed robbery. They have oppressed the poor and needy and have exploited the foreign resident without justice. I searched for a man among them to repair the wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, so that I should not destroy it. But I found no one. So I have poured out My indignation upon them and consumed them with the fire of My fury. I have brought their ways down upon their own heads, declares the Lord GOD.” |
| 10 | Job 31:21 | if I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless because I saw that I had support in the gate, |
Proverbs 29:7 Summary
[This verse is saying that people who love and follow God care about those who are struggling and in need, and they want to help them. On the other hand, people who do not love God do not care about the poor and vulnerable, and they often ignore their needs. As it says in Galatians 2:10, we are called to 'remember the poor', and to show our love for God by caring for those in need. By considering the cause of the poor, we can demonstrate our love for God and for our neighbors, and live out the teachings of Scripture in a practical way.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'consider the cause of the poor' in Proverbs 29:7?
This means to think about and care for the needs and struggles of those who are less fortunate, as seen in Psalm 41:1, where we are told to 'blessed is he who considers the poor'
How can we distinguish between the righteous and the wicked in this verse?
The righteous are characterized by their concern for the poor, while the wicked show no regard for such concerns, as also seen in Proverbs 21:13, where it says 'Whoever closes his ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered'
Is this verse only talking about financial poverty, or are there other kinds of poverty in view?
While financial poverty is certainly included, the concept of poverty can also encompass emotional, spiritual, and social poverty, as seen in Luke 4:18, where Jesus talks about preaching good news to the poor and binding up the brokenhearted
What is the significance of the contrast between the righteous and the wicked in this verse?
The contrast highlights the fundamental difference in values and character between those who follow God and those who do not, as seen in Matthew 25:31-46, where Jesus separates the sheep from the goats based on their treatment of the poor and vulnerable
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can 'consider the cause of the poor' in my daily life, and how can I show concern for those in need?
- How do I react when I encounter someone who is struggling or in need - do I show kindness and compassion, or do I turn a blind eye?
- What are some common excuses or rationalizations that I use to avoid getting involved in the lives of the poor or vulnerable, and how can I overcome these?
- How can I balance my own needs and responsibilities with the call to care for the poor and vulnerable, and what role can I play in my community to make a positive impact?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 29:7
The righteous considereth the cause of the poor,.... Not his poverty and distress, so as to relieve him, which yet he does, Psalms 41:1; nor the person of the poor in judgment, and which he ought not
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 29:7
The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it. The righteous considereth the cause of the poor (Psalms 41:1): (but) the wicked regardeth not to know it.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 29:7
The righteous, whether magistrate, or any private person concerned to know it, and capable of helping him in it, considereth the cause of the poor; his poverty neither hinders him from taking pains to examine it, nor from a righteous determination of it. Regardeth not to know it; will not put himself to the trouble of searching it out, either because it yields him no profit, or because he resolves to give away his right.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 29:7
Proverbs 29:7 The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: [but] the wicked regardeth not to know [it].Ver. 7. The righteous considereth the cause of the poor.] The cause, not the person of the poor, for that is forbidden in the law. The great must not be favoured for their might, nor the mean for their misery, but justice, justice must be done to all, as Moses hath it; that is, even law and execution of right - as the oath runs that is given to our judges - without respect of persons. The cause of the poor and needy must come into equal balance with the rich and mighty, lest he be trampled on by those fat bulls of Bashan, to his utter undoing. For a poor man in his house is like a snail in his shell - crush that, and ye kill him. But the wicked regardeth not to know it.] Unless there were more to be got by it. Felix had soon enough of Paul’ s defence, because he expected some bribe from him; but nothing came. How ill-willing was that unjust judge, either to take knowledge of, or to take course for, the relief of the poor widow! Aperi bursam, apperiam buccam, saith the greedy lawyer. They that cannot lavish money out of the bag are little welcome to these Crumenimulgae, as one calls them - these purse suckers, that will weigh your gold, but not your cause; and if a man put not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 29:7
(7) The wicked regardeth not to know it.—Literally, understandeth not knowledge; he does not know nor care to know anything about his poorer neighbour’s affairs, so as to be able to help him. He cares as little about him as did Dives about Lazarus, though he saw him each time he went out of his own door.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 29:7
7. the cause] the judicial cause in a court of law. Comp. Deuteronomy 17:8, where the same Heb. word is rendered plea. regardeth not] Or, hath not understanding, R.V. Either does not take the trouble, as the righteous does, to look into the case; or, has not the moral perception to grasp its bearings.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 29:7
7. Considereth the cause — Pleadeth it. The expression is used in a forensic sense. Wicked regardeth not to know — Will not take pains to obtain a knowledge of the cause, much less “consider” or plead it.
Sermons on Proverbs 29:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Don't Forget by William Booth | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of actively helping those in need, rather than simply offering prayers or advice. The speaker encourages the audience to take |
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Escaping the Theology of Babylon by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of considering the poor and disadvantaged in society. He highlights Psalm 41, which states that those who consider the poor wil |
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Preparing to Stand in the Coming Storm by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of preparing to stand in the coming storm by focusing on red letter words directly from Jesus in Matthew chapter 7. It highlights the need to |
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Useful for the Master - Part 4 by Jackie Pullinger | This sermon emphasizes the importance of ministering to the poor as a fundamental requirement for all Christians, highlighting God's heart for the marginalized and the need to reac |
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(Through the Bible) Psalms 41-46 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the deep spiritual thirst that people have and the various ways they try to satisfy it. They observe that many individuals seek fulfillment th |
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Prove Me Now - Part 2 by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of honoring God in business decisions, even when faced with pressure to compromise. It tells the story of a man who chose to show kindness and |
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Anatomy of Betrayal by William Shishko | In this sermon, Pastor Shishko discusses the theme of outward appearances and how they can be deceiving. He uses examples from the Bible, such as Jesus' interaction with Judas duri |