Proverbs 22:16

¶ He that oppresseth the poor to increase his [riches, and] he that giveth to the rich, [shall] surely [come] to want.

He that oppresseth {H6231} the poor {H1800} to increase {H7235} his riches, and he that giveth {H5414} to the rich {H6223}, shall surely come to want {H4270}.

Both oppressing the poor to enrich oneself and giving to the rich yield only loss.

Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself or giving gifts to the rich will surely lead to poverty.

He that oppresseth the poor to increase his gain, Andhe that giveth to the rich, shall come only to want.

Proverbs 22:16 from the King James Version states: "He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want." This proverb delivers a powerful warning against economic injustice and skewed priorities regarding wealth.

Context

Proverbs 22 is part of a larger collection of wisdom sayings attributed to Solomon, focusing on practical living, ethical conduct, and the consequences of one's actions. This chapter specifically addresses themes of righteousness, the dangers of surety, the importance of raising children properly, and the proper treatment of the poor. Verse 16 fits squarely within the book's emphasis on social justice and divine retribution, reinforcing the idea that moral choices have tangible outcomes, both good and bad, in this life.

Key Themes

  • Condemnation of Oppression: The verse strongly denounces those who exploit the vulnerable. "He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches" speaks to a system or individual act where power is leveraged to unjustly gain wealth at the expense of those less fortunate. This highlights a fundamental biblical principle of caring for the marginalized.
  • Perversion of Giving: The second part, "and he that giveth to the rich," is more nuanced. It could imply sycophancy, giving gifts to the already wealthy to gain favor or participate in their unjust schemes, rather than using resources for righteous purposes. It stands in stark contrast to the many biblical commands to give to the poor or needy.
  • Divine Retribution and Consequences: The phrase "shall surely come to want" serves as a direct warning of inevitable destitution or poverty. It underscores the principle of sowing and reaping, where unjust actions ultimately lead to negative personal consequences. God's justice ensures that those who exploit others will not prosper in the long run.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "oppresseth" is 'ashaq (עָשַׁק), which means to oppress, defraud, extort, or exploit. It implies a wrongful use of power or position to gain an advantage. The phrase "shall surely come to want" is a strong declaration of inevitable lack or poverty, emphasizing the certainty of the consequence for such actions.

Practical Application

This proverb remains highly relevant today, speaking to issues of economic ethics, corporate responsibility, and personal integrity. It challenges individuals and societies to consider:

  • Ethical Wealth Acquisition: Is wealth being gained through fair and just means, or through practices that exploit workers, consumers, or the environment?
  • Social Responsibility: Are resources being used to uplift communities and support those in need, or are they being concentrated among the already privileged, potentially reinforcing cycles of inequality?
  • Long-term Prosperity: The proverb teaches that true and lasting prosperity is rooted in righteousness and justice, not in ill-gotten gains. Those who build their fortunes on the backs of the poor will ultimately find their abundance fleeting, as God's justice prevails. The Bible consistently calls for compassion and justice for the poor, emphasizing that honoring them is akin to honoring God Himself (Proverbs 14:31).

Reflection

Proverbs 22:16 serves as a stark reminder that biblical wisdom is deeply concerned with social justice. It warns against the deceptive allure of wealth gained through unethical means, asserting that such practices ultimately lead to ruin. For the believer, it reinforces the call to live justly, care for the vulnerable, and trust in God's righteous economy, where true blessing flows from integrity and compassion.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Proverbs 22:22

    ¶ Rob not the poor, because he [is] poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:

  • Proverbs 22:23

    For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

  • Psalms 12:5

    For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set [him] in safety [from him that] puffeth at him.

  • James 2:13

    For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

  • Luke 6:33

    And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.

  • Luke 6:35

    But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil.

  • James 5:1

    ¶ Go to now, [ye] rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon [you].

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