Proverbs 22:23

for the Lord will plead their case ¹  and will rob those who are robbing ²  them.

1Sa 24:12,15; 1Sa 25:39; Ps 12:5; Ps 35:1,10; Ps 43:1; Ps 68:5; Ps 140:12; Pr 23:11; Isa 33:1; Jer 50:34; Jer 51:36; Mic 7:9; Hab 2:8; Mal 3:5

¹ tn The construction uses the verb יָרִיב (yariv) with its cognate accusative. It can mean “to strive,” but here it probably means “to argue a case, plead a case” (cf. KJV, NASB, NIV, NRSV). How the Lord will do this is not specified – either through righteous people or by direct intervention.

² tn The verb קָבַע (qava’, “to rob; to spoil; to plunder”) is used here in both places to reflect the principle of talionic justice. What the oppressors did to the poor will be turned back on them by the Lord.