Proverbs 13:8 (BSB)

Riches may ransom a man’s life, but a poor man hears no threat.

From Proverbs 13. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Proverbs 13:8

• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Proverbs 13:8: We are apt to judge of men's blessedness, at least in this world, by their wealth, and that they are more or less happy accordingly as they have more or less of this world's goods; but Solomon here shows what a gross mistake it is, that we may be reconciled to a poor condition, and may neither covet riches ourselves nor envy those that have abundance. 1.
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Proverbs 13:8: The ransom of a man's life are his riches,.... As Benhadad's were to him, when he was in the hands of the king of Israel, Kg1 20:34; and as the treasures the ten men had in the field were to them, for the sake of which Ishmael, the son of Nethaniah, slew them not, Jer 41:8.
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (Reformed), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Proverbs 13:8: Riches save some from punishment, while others suffer because they will not heed the rebuke of sloth, which makes and keeps them poor.
• Geneva Bible Notes (Reformed), Geneva Bible Study Notes on Proverbs 13:8: The ransom of a man's life [is] his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke. (c) For his poverty, he is not able to escape the threatenings, which the cruel oppressors use against him.