Jacob declares the mind of the Lord, stating that "one being is as precious in his sight as the other." In the Isaiah sections Nephi entered into the record are several condemnations of the powerful who take advantage of the weak (see Isaiah 5, for example). In their new world and new city and society, Nephi and Jacob have attempted to make that philosophy a reality. This new division on the basis of wealth threatens that original basis for society.
Rhetorical: Verse 22 is a transition between two topics. There were probably more topics treated (see Jacob 3:12), but we have only two recorded. Jacob's transition lacks art, but it is clear. He ends speaking on pride, and now picks up a new subject.