Proverbs 22:16

16 If you make gifts to rich people or oppress the poor to get rich, you will become poor yourself.

Proverbs 22:16 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 22:16

He that oppresseth the poor to increase his [riches]
By taking away from them the little they have; by keeping back their hire, defrauding them of the just wages of their labours; or by usury and extortion, or any other unjust method, whereby they distress the poor, and enrich themselves; [and] he that giveth to the rich [shall] surely [come] to want:
that gives to those that are richer than he; or that are in greater power and authority, that they may protect him in the possession of his ill gotten riches; yet, after all, it shall not thrive and prosper with him, it will all issue in poverty and want: or, as the Vulgate Latin version renders it, "he shall give to one more rich, and shall want"; he shall be forced to give it to another richer than he, and of greater power, and so shall get nothing by his oppression of the poor; but as he has served the poor, so shall he be served himself, and be brought to beggary and want; see ( Proverbs 21:13 ) .

Proverbs 22:16 In-Context

14 Adultery is a trap - it catches those with whom the Lord is angry.
15 Children just naturally do silly, careless things, but a good spanking will teach them how to behave.
16 If you make gifts to rich people or oppress the poor to get rich, you will become poor yourself.
17 Listen, and I will teach you what the wise have said. Study their teachings,
18 and you will be glad if you remember them and can quote them.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.