Proverbs 28:3 Meaning and Explanation
“A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The poor who exploit their neighbors harm everyone, leaving nothing for survival.
The Context of Proverbs 28:3
A proverb warning against exploiting those with little, using the image of destructive rain.
What Does Proverbs 28:3 Mean?
A person with little can still choose to prey on others in similar straits, becoming a destructive force in their community. Such oppression is compared to a torrential downpour that washes away crops and leaves no grain for the harvest.
This image suggests that exploitation and injustice do not even enrich the exploiter in the end—they only strip bare the land until nothing remains. Wickedness becomes self-defeating, destroying the very foundation of survival for all.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 28:3
What does Proverbs 28:3 mean?
The poor who exploit their neighbors harm everyone, leaving nothing for survival.
What is the context of Proverbs 28:3?
A proverb warning against exploiting those with little, using the image of destructive rain.