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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/22.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/22.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/22.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/22.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself or giving gifts to the rich will surely lead to poverty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/22.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />He that oppresseth the poor to increase his <i>riches, and</i> he that giveth to the rich, <i>shall</i> surely <i>come</i> to want.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/22.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He who oppresses the poor to increase his <i>riches,</i> <i>And</i> he who gives to the rich, <i>will</i> surely <i>come</i> to poverty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />One who oppresses the poor to make more for himself, <i>Or</i> gives to the rich, <i>will</i> only <i>come</i> to poverty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/22.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He who oppresses the poor to make more for himself Or who gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />He who oppresses the poor to make much for himself Or who gives to the rich, <i>will</i> only <i>come to</i> poverty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />He who oppresses the poor to make more for himself Or who gives to the rich <i>will</i> only <i>come to</i> lack.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He who oppresses <i>or</i> exploits the poor to get more for himself Or who gives to the rich [to gain influence and favor], will only come to poverty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself, and giving to the rich—both lead only to poverty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself, and giving to the rich—both lead only to poverty. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/22.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He that oppresseth the poor to increase his gain, And he that giveth to the rich, shall come only to want.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Cheat the poor to make profit or give gifts to the rich--either way you lose. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/22.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He that oppresseth the poor to increase his gain, and he that giveth to the rich, cometh only to want.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Oppressing the poor for profit [or] giving to the rich certainly leads to poverty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/22.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />If you make gifts to rich people or oppress the poor to get rich, you will become poor yourself. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/22.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever oppresses the poor to enrich himself and whoever gives gifts to the wealthy will yield only loss.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself or giving gifts to the rich will surely lead to poverty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/22.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The one who oppresses the poor to increase his own gain and the one who gives to the rich--both end up only in poverty. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Whoever oppresses the poor for his own increase and whoever gives to the rich, both come to poverty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/22.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Whoever oppresses the poor for his own increase and whoever gives to the rich, both come to poverty. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />He [who] is oppressing the poor to multiply his [riches], "" Is giving to the rich—only to want.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> He is oppressing the poor to multiply to him, He is giving to the rich -- only to want.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />He oppressing the poor one to increase for himself, he gave to the rich; also to want.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He that oppresseth the poor, to in- crease his own riches, shall himself give to one that is richer, and shall be in need. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Whoever slanders the poor, so as to augment his own riches, will give it away to one who is richer, and will be in need.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/22.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Oppressing the poor for enrichment, giving to the rich: both are sheer loss. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Oppressing the poor in order to enrich oneself, and giving to the rich, will lead only to loss.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He who oppresses the poor adds to his evil; and he who gives to the rich, shall suffer a loss.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He that harms the poor increases his own affliction and he that gives to the rich suffers loss to his soul.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />One may oppress the poor, yet will their gain increase; One may give to the rich, yet will want come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />He that oppresses the poor, increases his own substance, yet gives to the rich so as to make it less.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/22-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=4495" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/22.htm">A Good Name</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6231.htm" title="6231: ‘ō·šêq (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To oppress, wrong, extort. A primitive root; to press upon, i.e. Oppress, defraud, violate, overflow.">Oppressing</a> <a href="/hebrew/1800.htm" title="1800: dāl (Adj-ms) -- Dangling, weak, thin. From dalal; properly, dangling, i.e. weak or thin.">the poor</a> <a href="/hebrew/7235.htm" title="7235: lə·har·bō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- To be or become much, many or great. A primitive root; to increase.">to enrich</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">oneself</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: nō·ṯên (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">or giving gifts</a> <a href="/hebrew/6223.htm" title="6223: lə·‘ā·šîr (Prep-l:: Adj-ms) -- Rich. From ashar; rich, whether literal or figurative.">to the rich</a> <a href="/hebrew/389.htm" title="389: ’aḵ- (Adv) -- Surely, howbeit. Akin to 'aken; a particle of affirmation, surely; hence only.">will surely lead</a> <a href="/hebrew/4270.htm" title="4270: lə·maḥ·sō·wr (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- A need, thing needed, poverty. Or machcor; from chacer; deficiency; hence, impoverishment.">to poverty.</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-1.htm">James 5:1-6</a></span><br />Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. / Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. / Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-24.htm">Luke 6:24</a></span><br />But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/3-14.htm">Isaiah 3:14-15</a></span><br />The LORD brings this charge against the elders and leaders of His people: “You have devoured the vineyard; the plunder of the poor is in your houses. / Why do you crush My people and grind the faces of the poor?” declares the Lord GOD of Hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/22-13.htm">Jeremiah 22:13</a></span><br />“Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms without justice, who makes his countrymen serve without pay, and fails to pay their wages,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/8-4.htm">Amos 8:4-7</a></span><br />Hear this, you who trample the needy, who do away with the poor of the land, / asking, “When will the New Moon be over, that we may sell grain? When will the Sabbath end, that we may market wheat? Let us reduce the ephah and increase the shekel; let us cheat with dishonest scales. / Let us buy the poor with silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, selling even the chaff with the wheat!” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/2-1.htm">Micah 2:1-2</a></span><br />Woe to those who devise iniquity and plot evil on their beds! At morning’s light they accomplish it because the power is in their hands. / They covet fields and seize them; they take away houses. They deprive a man of his home, a fellow man of his inheritance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/22-29.htm">Ezekiel 22:29</a></span><br />The people of the land have practiced extortion and committed robbery. They have oppressed the poor and needy and have exploited the foreign resident without justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/19-23.htm">Matthew 19:23-24</a></span><br />Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. / Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-9.htm">1 Timothy 6:9-10</a></span><br />Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. / For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/habakkuk/2-6.htm">Habakkuk 2:6-7</a></span><br />Will not all of these take up a taunt against him, speaking with mockery and derision: ‘Woe to him who amasses what is not his and makes himself rich with many loans! How long will this go on?’ / Will not your creditors suddenly arise and those who disturb you awaken? Then you will become their prey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/7-10.htm">Zechariah 7:10</a></span><br />Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. And do not plot evil in your hearts against one another.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/3-5.htm">Malachi 3:5</a></span><br />“Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me,” says the LORD of Hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-15.htm">Luke 12:15-21</a></span><br />And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” / Then He told them a parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced an abundance. / So he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, since I have nowhere to store my crops?’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-17.htm">1 John 3:17</a></span><br />If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/20-19.htm">Job 20:19-20</a></span><br />For he has oppressed and forsaken the poor; he has seized houses he did not build. / Because his appetite is never satisfied, he cannot escape with his treasure.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He that oppresses the poor to increase his riches, and he that gives to the rich, shall surely come to want.</p><p class="hdg">that oppresseth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/22-22.htm">Proverbs 22:22,23</a></b></br> Rob not the poor, because he <i>is</i> poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/14-31.htm">Proverbs 14:31</a></b></br> He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/28-3.htm">Proverbs 28:3</a></b></br> A poor man that oppresseth the poor <i>is like</i> a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.</p><p class="hdg">he that giveth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/6-33.htm">Luke 6:33-35</a></b></br> And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/14-12.htm">Luke 14:12-14</a></b></br> Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor <i>thy</i> rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/16-24.htm">Luke 16:24</a></b></br> And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/17-11.htm">Cruel</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-10.htm">Enrich</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-11.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-6.htm">Gifts</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-9.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-20.htm">Increase</a> <a href="/psalms/71-14.htm">Increasing</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-11.htm">Multiply</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-23.htm">Need</a> <a href="/psalms/143-12.htm">Oppress</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-31.htm">Oppresses</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-31.htm">Oppresseth</a> <a href="/2_kings/13-4.htm">Oppressing</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-9.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-5.htm">Poverty</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-5.htm">Profit</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-27.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-7.htm">Rich</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-4.htm">Riches</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-5.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-5.htm">Want</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-7.htm">Wealth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/22-22.htm">Cruel</a> <a href="/ezekiel/27-33.htm">Enrich</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-4.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-14.htm">Gifts</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-26.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-8.htm">Increase</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-18.htm">Increasing</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-28.htm">Multiply</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-21.htm">Need</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-22.htm">Oppress</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-3.htm">Oppresses</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-3.htm">Oppresseth</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-3.htm">Oppressing</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-22.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-21.htm">Poverty</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-16.htm">Profit</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-9.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-4.htm">Rich</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-5.htm">Riches</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-5.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-34.htm">Want</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-4.htm">Wealth</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 22</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/22-1.htm">A good name is more desirable than great wealth</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/22.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/22.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself</b><br>This phrase highlights a common theme in biblical wisdom literature: the condemnation of exploiting the vulnerable. In ancient Israel, the poor were often landless laborers or those who had fallen into debt. The Law of Moses explicitly forbade the oppression of the poor (<a href="/exodus/22-21.htm">Exodus 22:21-27</a>, <a href="/leviticus/19-13.htm">Leviticus 19:13</a>). Prophets like Amos and Isaiah also spoke against such injustices, emphasizing God's concern for the marginalized (<a href="/amos/2-6.htm">Amos 2:6-7</a>, <a href="/isaiah/10.htm">Isaiah 10:1-2</a>). The act of oppressing the poor to gain wealth is seen as a violation of God's justice and mercy, which are central to His character. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus warns against storing up treasures on earth at the expense of others (<a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a>).<p><b>or giving gifts to the rich</b><br>In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, giving gifts to the rich was often a means of currying favor or securing one's social standing. This practice is criticized here as it perpetuates inequality and ignores the needs of the poor. The Bible consistently teaches that true generosity is directed towards those who cannot repay (<a href="/luke/14-12.htm">Luke 14:12-14</a>). The act of giving to the rich is seen as futile and counterproductive, as it does not align with God's heart for justice and equity. This principle is further illustrated in the parable of the rich fool (<a href="/luke/12-16.htm">Luke 12:16-21</a>), where hoarding wealth and seeking favor with the affluent is shown to be ultimately worthless.<p><b>will surely lead to poverty</b><br>The outcome of such actions is a divine reversal, where those who exploit or seek favor with the wealthy will themselves face poverty. This reflects the biblical principle of sowing and reaping (<a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7-8</a>). The wisdom literature often presents a moral order where actions have consequences, and God's justice ensures that the oppressor will not ultimately prosper (<a href="/proverbs/11-24.htm">Proverbs 11:24-25</a>). This is not only a spiritual truth but also a practical one, as societies that ignore the needs of the poor often face instability and decline. The warning serves as a reminder that true wealth is found in righteousness and generosity, aligning with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized storing up treasures in heaven (<a href="/matthew/6-20.htm">Matthew 6:20</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_poor.htm">The Poor</a></b><br>In the context of Proverbs, the poor often represent those who are vulnerable and marginalized in society. They are frequently mentioned in the wisdom literature as individuals deserving of justice and compassion.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_rich.htm">The Rich</a></b><br>The rich in Proverbs can symbolize those with wealth and power. The text often warns against the misuse of wealth and the moral responsibilities that come with it.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom. His teachings often focus on moral and ethical living.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical backdrop of Proverbs, where societal norms and laws were influenced by the Mosaic Law, which emphasized justice and care for the poor.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_literature.htm">Wisdom Literature</a></b><br>Proverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, which includes teachings on how to live a life pleasing to God through understanding and applying His principles.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_exploitation.htm">The Dangers of Exploitation</a></b><br>Exploiting the poor for personal gain is condemned in Scripture. It leads to spiritual and often material poverty, as it goes against God's principles of justice and mercy.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/misplaced_generosity.htm">Misplaced Generosity</a></b><br>Giving to the rich, especially with the intent of gaining favor or influence, is futile and contrary to biblical teachings on stewardship and generosity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_heart_for_the_poor.htm">God's Heart for the Poor</a></b><br>God consistently shows His concern for the poor throughout Scripture. Believers are called to reflect His heart by advocating for justice and providing for those in need.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_greed.htm">The Consequences of Greed</a></b><br>Greed and the pursuit of wealth at the expense of others can lead to moral and financial ruin. True prosperity is found in righteousness and generosity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_with_integrity.htm">Living with Integrity</a></b><br>Christians are called to live with integrity, ensuring that their actions align with God's commands, particularly in how they treat the vulnerable and use their resources.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_22.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 22</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/christian_view_on_sweepstakes.htm">What is the Christian perspective on sweepstakes and contests?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_humble_believers_face_hardship.htm">Proverbs 22:4: If humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches and honor, why do many humble believers remain in poverty or face hardship?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_proverbs_22_7_lack_solutions.htm">Proverbs 22:7: Why does the text point out the rule of the rich over the poor but offer no direct solution to systemic economic oppression?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_life_advice_does_proverbs_give.htm">What wisdom and guidance does Proverbs offer for life?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/22.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) <span class= "bld">He that oppresseth the poor . . .</span>--Rather, <span class= "ital">he that does so is </span>(<span class= "ital">thereby</span>)<span class= "ital"> giving to the rich, only to </span>(<span class= "ital">his own</span>)<span class= "ital"> loss. </span>That is, he shall be none the better for the act of oppression, but shall have to disgorge his prey to some one richer and more powerful than himself, and thereby be reduced to poverty.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches</span> (so the Vulgate), <span class="cmt_word">and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.</span> There are various renderings and explanations of this verse. The Authorized Version says that he who oppresseth the poor to enrich himself, and he who wastes his means by giving to those who do not need it, will come to poverty. But the antithesis of this distich is thus lost. The Hebrew literally rendered brings out the contrast, <span class="accented">Whosoever oppresseth the poor, it is for his gain</span>; <span class="accented">whosoever giveth to the rich, it is for his loss.</span> Delitzsch explains the sentence thus: "He who enriches himself by extortion from the poor, at any rate gains what he desires; but he who gives to the rich impoverishes himself in vain, has no thanks, reaps only disappointment." One cannot but feel that the maxim thus interpreted is poor and unsatisfactory. The interpretation in the 'Speaker's Commentary' is more plausible: The oppressor of the poor will himself suffer in a similar mode, and will have to surrender his ill-gotten gains to some equally unscrupulous rich man. But the terse antithesis of the original is wholly obscured by this view of the distich. It is far better, with Hitzig, Ewald, and others, to take the gain in the first hemistich as that of the poor man, equivalent to "doth but bring him gain;" though the sentence is not necessarily to be explained as suggesting that the injustice which the poor man suffers at the hand of his wealthy neighbour is a stimulus to him to exert himself in order to better his position, and thus indirectly tends to his enrichment. The maxim is really conceived in the religious style of so many of these apparently worldly pronouncements, and states a truth in the moral government of God intimated elsewhere, <span class="accented">e.g.</span> <a href="/proverbs/13-22.htm">Proverbs 13:22</a>; <a href="/proverbs/28-8.htm">Proverbs 28:8</a>; and that truth is that the riches extorted from the poor man will in the end redound to his benefit, that by God's providential control the oppression and injustice from which he has suffered shall work to his good. In the second hemistich the loss is that of the rich man. By adding to the wealth of the rich the donor increases his indolence, encourages his luxury, vice, and extravagance, and thus leads to his ruin - "bringeth only to want. Septuagint, "He that calumniates (<span class="greek">συκοφαντῶν</span>) the poor increaseth his own substance, but giveth to the rich at a loss (<span class="greek">ἐπ</span> <span class="greek">ἐλάσσονι</span>)" <span class="accented">i.e.</span> so as to lessen his substance. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/22-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Oppressing</span><br /><span class="heb">עֹ֣שֵֽׁק</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·šêq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6231.htm">Strong's 6231: </a> </span><span class="str2">To press upon, oppress, defraud, violate, overflow</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the poor</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּ֭ל</span> <span class="translit">(dāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1800.htm">Strong's 1800: </a> </span><span class="str2">Dangling, weak, thin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to enrich oneself,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְהַרְבּ֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(lə·har·bō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7235.htm">Strong's 7235: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be or become much, many or great</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or giving gifts</span><br /><span class="heb">נֹתֵ֥ן</span> <span class="translit">(nō·ṯên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the rich,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְ֝עָשִׁ֗יר</span> <span class="translit">(lə·‘ā·šîr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6223.htm">Strong's 6223: </a> </span><span class="str2">Rich</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[will] surely lead</span><br /><span class="heb">אַךְ־</span> <span class="translit">(’aḵ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_389.htm">Strong's 389: </a> </span><span class="str2">A particle of affirmation, surely</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to poverty.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמַחְסֽוֹר׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·maḥ·sō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4270.htm">Strong's 4270: </a> </span><span class="str2">A need, thing needed, poverty</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/22-16.htm">Proverbs 22:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/22-16.htm">Proverbs 22:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/22-16.htm">Proverbs 22:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/22-16.htm">Proverbs 22:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/22-16.htm">Proverbs 22:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/22-16.htm">Proverbs 22:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/22-16.htm">Proverbs 22:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/22-16.htm">Proverbs 22:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/22-16.htm">Proverbs 22:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/22-16.htm">Proverbs 22:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/22-16.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 22:16 Whoever oppresses the poor for his own (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/22-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 22:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 22:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/22-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 22:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 22:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>