Proverbs 23:10-11

Their Redeemer is mighty.

Social injustice

I. Social injustice indicated. “Remove not the old landmarks.” What are the landmarks? The rights of man as man.

1. Every man has a right to personal freedom.

2. To the produce of his own labour.

3. To freedom in religion.

II. Social injustice perpetrated on the helpless. “Enter not into the fields of the fatherless.” Orphans have their rights. There are villains in society who perpetrate outrages on orphans.

1. This is cowardly.

2. This is cruel.

3. This is common.

III. Social injustice judicially regarded by God. “Their Redeemer is mighty.” Redeemer here means “next of kin.” The mighty God is the protector of the helpless. (D. Thomas, D.D.)

The fatherless

These are taken under God’s special protection; with Him they not only find mercy shown to them, but justice done for them. He is their Redeemer, their God, their near kinsman, that will take their part, and stand up for them with jealousy, as taking Himself affront in the injuries done to them. He is mighty--almighty; His omnipotence is engaged and employed for their protection, and their proudest and most powerful oppressors will not only find themselves an unequal match for this, but will find that it is at their peril to contend with it. Every man must be careful not to injure the fatherless in anything, or to invade their rights. Being fatherless, they have none to redress their wrongs, and, being in their childhood, they do not so much as apprehend the wrong that is done them. Sense of honour, and much more the fear of God, would restrain men from offering any injury to children, especially fatherless children. (Matthew Henry.)