Proverbs 22:16 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.

NIV: One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.

NASB: One who oppresses the poor to make more for himself, Or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.

CSB: Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself, and giving to the rich—both lead only to poverty.

NLT: A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty.

KJV: He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.

NKJV: He who oppresses the poor to increase his riches, And he who gives to the rich, will surely come to poverty.

Solomon was extremely wealthy (2 Chronicles 9:22), but he championed the cause of the poor. In this verse he speaks out against those who oppress disadvantaged people, for the benefit of those who are already well off. He assures his readers that taking advantage of the poor and trying to buy the favor of those who are wealthier than themselves results in poverty. While it's true that greed can lead to temporary success (Proverbs 15:27; 20:21; 21:6), God's justice cannot be avoided forever (Proverbs 24:12). Those who reject the Lord's wisdom, to seek money, will eventually lose both their wealth and their souls (Luke 12:19–21).

The "poor" of this proverb are feeble, weak, helpless people. The apostle James also advocates for the poor and condemns the rich who oppress them. He writes: "Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you have kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts" (James 5:4). In the same passage, James points out what happens to those who have money yet lack integrity. He writes: "Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and the corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire" (James 5:2–3).

This marks the end of a long string of proverbs attributed to Solomon, which began in chapter 10 (Proverbs 10:1).

Proverbs 22:1–16 dispenses practical advice about gaining a good reputation, avoiding danger, setting children on a good path, finances, pure living, and the Lord's watchfulness and judgment. These verses also speak on the absurdity of laziness, the danger of evil words, and the sin of oppressing the poor. This completes an extensive list of wise sayings (Proverbs 10:1) attributed to Solomon.

This chapter completes a long string of wise sayings attributed to Solomon (Proverbs 10:1). He notes that reputation and godliness are far better than money. He also notes that godly wisdom keeps a person from various dangers. Loving parents use proper discipline to instill wisdom in their children. The last portion of the chapter introduces a new passage, made up of thirty wise teachings which Solomon endorses. This string of advice continues into chapter 24.

This chapter is the last of the second division of the book, including all of chapters 10—21. This section includes some 375 verses, mostly in paired lines. Chapter 22 completes these statements, then introduces a collection of thirty wise sayings endorsed by Solomon. The first five are negative commands, warning to avoid certain vices. Chapter 23 continues with more sayings of advice.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.