Jacob declares Yahweh’s principle: “one being is as precious in his sight as the other.” The Isaiah sections that Nephi copied include condemnations of the powerful who take advantage of the weak (see 2 Ne. 15/Isa. 5, for example). In their new society, Nephi and Jacob have attempted to make equality a reality, but this division on the basis of wealth threatens that fundamental theological equality.
Rhetoric: Verse 22 is a transition between two topics. Jacob’s sermon probably treated more topics (Jacob 3:12), but only two are recorded. Jacob’s transition is not particularly graceful, but it is clear that he is through speaking on divisive pride and is now dealing with a new subject.