Proverbs 22:16

16 He who oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to want.

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 The mouth of a loose woman is a deep pit; he with whom the LORD is angry will fall into it.

15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.

16 He who oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to want.

17 Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge;

18 for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.