Theology of Proverbs

Proverbs even reveals a social dimension to the creation motif that we saw was so central to family piety. The belief that YHWH created each and every individual can only mean that no human being, no matter how poor or unfortunate, should be despised and that all social stratification must be restricted and limited as much as possible (14:31; 17:5; 22:2; 29:13). Thus, Proverbs considers YHWH to be not only the creator, supporter, and protector of all individuals but also their examiner, their judge, and the person who will retaliate on their behalf.—Family and Household Religion in Ancient Israel and the Levant, page 338