What does Proverbs 23:11 mean?

The prior verse began a warning about cheating people out of land, making specific reference to disadvantaged persons (Proverbs 23:10). This is part of a collection of thirty wise sayings endorsed by Solomon (Proverbs 22:17–21). Here, the warning is completed with a reminder that God advocates for those weak in the world's eyes (Deuteronomy 10:18; Proverbs 22:22–23).

This Scripture refers to a "Redeemer," using a Hebrew term associated with a family member's obligation to care for a destitute relative (Ruth 4:6). Since other passages indicate that God, Himself, is in favor of the poor, it's reasonable to see this as a reference to the Lord, Himself. Deuteronomy 10:18 says, "He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing." Psalm 10:17–18 states, "O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more."

In the book of Ruth, we read about Boaz, Naomi's relative, who took the role of a kinsman redeemer to buy Naomi's field and marry her daughter-in-law Ruth (Ruth 4:7–10). As the Redeemer of the fatherless, the Lord opposes those who maltreat them.