Proverbs 22:16

16 One person may beat poor people down in order to get rich. Another person may give gifts to rich people. Both of them will become poor.

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 woman who commits adultery is like a deep pit. Any man the LORD is angry with will fall into it.
15 A child is going to do foolish things. But correcting him will drive his foolishness far away from him.
16 One person may beat poor people down in order to get rich. Another person may give gifts to rich people. Both of them will become poor.
17 Pay attention and listen to the sayings of those who are wise. Apply your heart to the sayings I teach.
18 It is pleasing when you keep them in your heart. Have all of them ready on your lips.
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