Proverbs 22:16

16 He that oppresseth the poor to increase his [riches], [and] he that giveth to the rich, [shall] surely [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 strange women [is] a deep pit: he that is abhorred by the LORD shall fall therein.
15 Foolishness [is] bound in the heart of a child; [but] the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
16 He that oppresseth the poor to increase his [riches], [and] he that giveth to the rich, [shall] surely [come] to want.
17 Bow down thy ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thy heart to my knowledge.
18 For [it is] a pleasant thing if thou keepest them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.
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