Bridges on Proverbs 29:13
 
 
Charles Bridges on Proverbs 29:13
 
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13.  The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes. {the deceitful...: or, the usurer}
 
The doctrine of this proverb, as of one similar to it (Chapter 22:2), seems to be the real equality of the divine dispensations under apparent inequalities. The rich seem to be intended by the deceitful; so called, from the deceitfulness of riches, and of the means, by which they are too often obtained. The usurer appears to point to the same purport; implying the oppression too often connected with riches. Both these classes, so distinct in their relative condition, meet together on the same level before God. However men may differ; however one may oppress and despise, and the other envy or hate; however the poor may be tempted to murmur because of the oppressions of his richer neighbor; however the rich by usury or unjust gain may take advantage of the necessities of the poor — the LORD enlighteneth both their eyes — “He is no respecter of persons.” (Acts 10:34.) Both are partakers of his providential blessings. (Matthew 5:45.) Both are the subjects of his Sovereign grace; ‘members of the same body, animated by the same spirit, appointed for the same inheritance; partakers of the same “great and precious promises.” There was not one prize for the soul of the poor, and another for the rich. There was not one table for the meaner guests, and another for the greater.’ The poor Lazarus and the usurer Zaccheus have long met together in one common home; both alike the undeserved monuments of wondrous everlasting mercy; — the eyes of both enlightened, spiritually, eternally. (Luke 16:22; 19:9.)
Is it not presumption to judge hastily the ways of God; or to judge them at all by the plummet of our own reason? (Ezekiel 18:25.) Let us wait the appointed time, and all will be clear, as all is right. How far beyond our narrow conceptions is every exercise and display of this manifold wisdom, grace and love!
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proverbs 22:2
2 ¶ The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.
 
 
Footnote:
Chapter 23:5. Matthew 13:22.
 

 
Proverbs 23:5
5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. {set...: Heb. cause thine eyes to fly upon}
 
Matthew 13:22
22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
 
 
Footnote:
1 Timothy 6:9.
 

 
1 Timothy 6:9
9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
 
 
Footnote:
Compare chapter 22:7.
 

 
Proverbs 22:7
7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. {the lender: Heb. the man that lendeth}
 
 
Footnote:
Psalm 62:9, 10. James 5:1. For the same reason our Lord denominates riches generally by the distinctive term of "the mammon of unrighteousness." Luke 16:9.
 

 
Psalm 62:9, 10
9 Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity. {altogether: or, alike} 10 Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.
 
James 5:1
1 Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.
 
Luke 16:9
9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. {mammon: or, riches}
 
 
Acts 10:34
34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
 
 
Matthew 5:45.
45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
 
 
Footnote:
Bp. Reynolds' Vanity of the Creature, Sect. 8.
 
 
Luke 16:22
22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
 
Luke 19:9
9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
 
 
Ezekiel 18:25
25 Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?