Proverbs 22:16 kjv

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

Proverbs 22:16 nkjv

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

Proverbs 22:16 niv

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

Proverbs 22:16 esv

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

Proverbs 22:16 nlt

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

Proverbs 22 verses

Proverbs 22 16 Meaning

This proverb presents a two-fold statement highlighting a principle of divine justice regarding the accumulation and distribution of wealth. It asserts that anyone who exploits the economically vulnerable to enhance their own fortune, as well as anyone who makes strategic gifts to the wealthy, driven by motives other than genuine charity, will ultimately face destitution. The verse underscores God's moral order, where unjust gain and selfish ambition, even when cloaked in apparent generosity towards the powerful, ultimately lead to ruin rather than prosperity.

Proverbs 22 16 Context

Proverbs 22:16 is situated within a larger collection of wisdom sayings, specifically within what some scholars identify as "The Sayings of the Wise." It functions as an independent maxim providing practical ethical guidance. Previous verses in Chapter 22 touch upon the value of a good name, the natural state of both rich and poor before God, and the importance of parental instruction. This particular verse deepens the discussion on economic ethics and divine justice, sharply contrasting unrighteous means of wealth acquisition with godly principles. It speaks to a society where socioeconomic disparities existed and the temptation to exploit the vulnerable was prevalent. The book of Proverbs frequently emphasizes justice, righteousness, and the protection of the disadvantaged as central to living in alignment with God's will, warning consistently against the moral and practical pitfalls of greed and oppression.

Proverbs 22 16 Word analysis

• He who oppresses (עֹשֵׁק ‘osheq):
  • Meaning: Denotes an active, often habitual, practice of wrongdoing, defrauding, extorting, or dealing oppressively. It signifies taking advantage of someone's weaker position.
  • Significance: This is not passive neglect but deliberate, unjust action, implying a power imbalance. The Scripture condemns this exploitation strongly as an affront to God and man.
• the poor (דַּל dal):
  • Meaning: Refers to individuals who are lowly, weak, or helpless. This encompasses not only financial poverty but also social vulnerability due to lack of influence or resources.
  • Significance: Throughout the Bible, God expresses a special concern and protection for the dal, considering any injustice against them as an injustice against Him.
• to increase his riches (לְהַרְבּוֹת לוֹ l’harbot lo):
  • Meaning: Literally, "to multiply for him" or "for him to make abundant." This clarifies the selfish motivation behind the oppression: direct personal wealth accumulation.
  • Significance: It highlights covetousness as the driving force, sharply distinguishing it from honest means of acquiring wealth.
• and he who gives (וְנֹתֵן v’noten):
  • Meaning: "One who gives," often interpreted contextually as one who gives with ulterior motives, such as bribing, flattering, seeking patronage, or securing future personal advantage.
  • Significance: On the surface, giving seems benevolent. However, the object (the rich) and the implied motive in this specific proverb signify a self-serving transaction, not pure charity.
• to the rich (לְעָשִׁיר l’ashir):
  • Meaning: "To the wealthy person."
  • Significance: The rich often possess power and influence. Giving to them in this context suggests an attempt to buy favor, align with powerful interests for selfish gain, or invest in a corrupt system rather than genuinely helping the needy.
• will surely come to poverty (אַךְ־בְּמַחְסוֹר יָבֹא ach-b’machsor yavo):
  • Meaning: Literally, "only in lack he will come" or "he will surely enter into need/want." machsor denotes destitution or profound lack.
  • Significance: This is the universal, divinely appointed consequence for both types of unrighteous behavior. It emphasizes the futility of ill-gotten gains and promises a paradoxical reversal of fortune, a clear demonstration of divine justice.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "He who oppresses the poor to increase his riches": This phrase explicitly condemns the morally repugnant practice of preying on the disadvantaged for personal financial gain. It portrays a direct violation of God's command for justice and compassion towards the vulnerable members of society.
• "and he who gives to the rich": This parallel clause describes a more subtle, yet equally condemned, form of self-serving action. It's not about genuine generosity but a transactional giving aimed at currying favor, obtaining influence, or gaining a strategic advantage from those already in positions of power. This act, like oppression, reveals a heart focused on selfish acquisition and manipulation rather than righteousness.
• "will surely come to poverty": This common outcome applied to both the oppressor and the calculating giver, demonstrates a consistent principle of divine retribution. Despite their various means to acquire wealth or influence through unrighteous methods, the end result is material or spiritual destitution. It underscores the ultimate vanity of ill-gotten gains and highlights God's justice, where worldly advantage gained through unrighteousness inevitably leads to loss.

Proverbs 22 16 Bonus section

The proverb’s use of parallelism is crucial: it equates the direct oppression of the poor with seemingly 'positive' acts of giving to the rich when motivated by selfish ambition or corrupt alliance. This powerful connection suggests that both actions arise from a similar internal disposition: a love of money and a willingness to compromise justice for personal gain. It challenges human assumptions that a transactional relationship with the powerful might shield one from hardship, revealing God's absolute commitment to righteousness and equity. This principle serves not only as a warning against specific actions but also against a heart posture that prioritizes worldly advantage and wealth over obedience to God and care for His created order. The ultimate "poverty" experienced might not only be material but a profound spiritual destitution, emphasizing that true blessedness is tied to a life lived in accordance with divine wisdom.

Proverbs 22 16 Commentary

Proverbs 22:16 is a concise yet profound statement on divine justice, illustrating that God's moral economy operates contrary to human schemes of self-enrichment at others' expense. It sternly warns against two distinct but related paths to unjust wealth or influence, both of which ironically lead to the same fate: poverty. The first, direct oppression of the poor for personal gain, is overtly wicked. The second, giving to the rich (interpreted as bribery, flattery, or seeking strategic patronage), seems less overtly evil but equally stems from a selfish, covetous heart and a desire for illegitimate advantage or power. This proverb reveals that neither predatory exploitation nor self-serving political/financial maneuvering can ultimately lead to true prosperity. Instead, God's just order ensures that such unrighteousness, though it may temporarily yield gains, will inevitably culminate in personal and spiritual lack. It is a timeless truth that authentic wealth is not found in unjust gain, but in integrity, compassion, and righteous living before God.