Solomon offers a striking observation when he says that “Abundant food is in the fallow ground of the poor, But it is swept away by injustice” (Proverbs 13:23). On the surface, this verse depicts a scene where fertile soil, even when left untilled, holds ample potential for those in need. Yet the added phrase “it is swept away by injustice” reveals that the real danger to this harvest is not a lack of resources, but the corrupt or exploitative acts that rob the vulnerable of the fruit of their labor. Scripture elsewhere emphasizes that such injustice is grievous to the LORD. In the book of Amos, for instance, we see dire warnings against those who “oppress the poor” and “crush the needy” while indulging their own desires.
The fallow ground imagery hints at the LORD’s design for an equitable society, where even uncultivated fields could benefit those who have little. Under God’s law, provisions were made so the poor could glean leftover produce or fallen crops, underscoring His righteousness and compassion. But when society’s systems become twisted by injustice—whether through corrupted leaders, exploited laborers, or unfair economic practices—the abundance meant to bless the impoverished can quickly vanish, leaving them even more destitute. The verse thereby illustrates not only God’s desire to supply resources for all but also His grief when oppression derails those provisions.
Faithful believers today can connect this Old Testament principle to Jesus’s command in the New Testament to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). Just as the uncultivated ground can yield rich blessings for the poor, so a heart of compassion can produce acts of generosity and justice. But when the “fallow ground” of goodwill is destroyed by selfishness or dishonest gain, entire communities suffer. Through cultivating just practices in business, governance, and daily relationships, Christians can partner with God’s intent to ensure that the full potential of His provision is experienced by each person.
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Proverbs 13:23 meaning
Solomon offers a striking observation when he says that “Abundant food is in the fallow ground of the poor, But it is swept away by injustice” (Proverbs 13:23). On the surface, this verse depicts a scene where fertile soil, even when left untilled, holds ample potential for those in need. Yet the added phrase “it is swept away by injustice” reveals that the real danger to this harvest is not a lack of resources, but the corrupt or exploitative acts that rob the vulnerable of the fruit of their labor. Scripture elsewhere emphasizes that such injustice is grievous to the LORD. In the book of Amos, for instance, we see dire warnings against those who “oppress the poor” and “crush the needy” while indulging their own desires.
The fallow ground imagery hints at the LORD’s design for an equitable society, where even uncultivated fields could benefit those who have little. Under God’s law, provisions were made so the poor could glean leftover produce or fallen crops, underscoring His righteousness and compassion. But when society’s systems become twisted by injustice—whether through corrupted leaders, exploited laborers, or unfair economic practices—the abundance meant to bless the impoverished can quickly vanish, leaving them even more destitute. The verse thereby illustrates not only God’s desire to supply resources for all but also His grief when oppression derails those provisions.
Faithful believers today can connect this Old Testament principle to Jesus’s command in the New Testament to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). Just as the uncultivated ground can yield rich blessings for the poor, so a heart of compassion can produce acts of generosity and justice. But when the “fallow ground” of goodwill is destroyed by selfishness or dishonest gain, entire communities suffer. Through cultivating just practices in business, governance, and daily relationships, Christians can partner with God’s intent to ensure that the full potential of His provision is experienced by each person.