Proverbs 22:16
Proverbs 22:16 in Multiple Translations
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 riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.
He that oppresseth the poor to increase his gain, And he that giveth to the rich, shall come only to want.
He who is cruel to the poor for the purpose of increasing his profit, and he who gives to the man of wealth, will only come to be in need.
If you oppress the poor to make yourself rich, or if you're generous to the rich, you'll end up poor yourself.
Hee that oppresseth the poore to increase him selfe, and giueth vnto the riche, shall surely come to pouertie.
He is oppressing the poor to multiply to him, He is giving to the rich — only to want.
Whoever oppresses the poor for his own increase and whoever gives to the rich, both come to poverty.
He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches , and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.
He that oppresseth the poor, to increase his own riches, shall himself give to one that is richer, and shall be in need.
Those who oppress poor people in order to become rich, and those who give a bribe to rich people in order that the rich people will do a favor for them, will just lose their money.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 22:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 22:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עֹ֣שֵֽׁק
דָּ֭ל
לְ/הַרְבּ֣וֹת
ל֑/וֹ
נֹתֵ֥ן
לְ֝/עָשִׁ֗יר
אַךְ
לְ/מַחְסֽוֹר
עֹ֣שֵֽׁק
ʻâshaq
H6231
to oppress
V-Qal
דָּ֭ל
dal
H1800
poor
Adj
לְ/הַרְבּ֣וֹת
râbâh
H7235
to multiply
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
ל֑/וֹ
Prep | Suff
נֹתֵ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal
לְ֝/עָשִׁ֗יר
ʻâshîyr
H6223
rich
Prep | Adj
אַךְ
ʼak
H389
surely
DirObjM
לְ/מַחְסֽוֹר
machçôwr
H4270
need
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 22:16
עֹ֣שֵֽׁק
ʻâshaq
H6231
"to oppress"
V-Qal
To oppress means to press upon or defraud someone, often violently. It is used to describe wrongdoing in the Bible, such as in the book of Exodus.
Definition: 1) to press upon, oppress, violate, defraud, do violence, get deceitfully, wrong, extort 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to oppress, wrong, extort 1a2) to oppress 1b) (Pual) to be exploited, be crushed
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: get deceitfully, deceive, defraud, drink up, (use) oppress(-ion), -or), do violence (wrong). See also: Leviticus 5:21; Proverbs 14:31; Psalms 72:4.
דָּ֭ל
dal
H1800
"poor"
Adj
The Hebrew word for someone who is poor or weak, often describing those in need of help or assistance. In the book of Proverbs, it warns against oppressing the poor, and in Psalm 35:10, it describes the needy and the poor. The word is also used in Isaiah 41:17.
Definition: low, poor, weak, thin, one who is low
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: lean, needy, poor (man), weaker. See also: Exodus 23:3; Proverbs 19:17; Psalms 41:2.
לְ/הַרְבּ֣וֹת
râbâh
H7235
"to multiply"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.
ל֑/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
נֹתֵ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לְ֝/עָשִׁ֗יר
ʻâshîyr
H6223
"rich"
Prep | Adj
In the Bible, the Hebrew word for 'rich' describes someone with wealth or noble status. It is used to describe people who are wealthy, like the rich man in certain parables. The word is often translated as 'rich' in English Bibles.
Definition: adj 1) rich, wealthy n 2) the rich, the wealthy, rich man
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: rich (man). See also: Exodus 30:15; Proverbs 18:23; Psalms 45:13.
אַךְ
ʼak
H389
"surely"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word is used to emphasize something, like saying 'surely' or 'certainly'. It can also be used to limit or restrict something, like saying 'only' or 'but'.
Definition: 1) indeed, surely (emphatic) 2) howbeit, only, but, yet (restrictive)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: also, in any wise, at least, but, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only, save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, [phrase] wherefore, yet (but). See also: Genesis 7:23; 2 Kings 23:35; Psalms 23:6.
לְ/מַחְסֽוֹר
machçôwr
H4270
"need"
Prep | N-ms
This word describes a lack or shortage of something, like a need for food or money. It is used in the Bible to describe poverty and want. In Deuteronomy 15:8, God commands the Israelites to lend to those in need.
Definition: 1) need, poverty, thing needed 1a) need, thing needed 1b) lack, want 1c) need, poverty
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: lack, need, penury, poor, poverty, want. See also: Deuteronomy 15:8; Proverbs 11:24; Psalms 34:10.
Study Notes — Proverbs 22:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 22:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 22:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 22:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 22:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 22:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 22:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 22:16
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 22:16
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 22:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 22:16
- Sermons on Proverbs 22:16
Context — A Good Name
14The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; he who is under the wrath of the LORD will fall into it.
15Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
16Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself or giving gifts to the rich will surely lead to poverty.
17Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise— apply your mind to my knowledge— 18for it is pleasing when you keep them within you and they are constantly on your lips.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 22:22–23 | Do not rob a poor man because he is poor, and do not crush the afflicted at the gate, for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them. |
| 2 | Psalms 12:5 | “For the cause of the oppressed and for the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will bring safety to him who yearns.” |
| 3 | James 2:13 | For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. |
| 4 | Luke 6:33–35 | If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. |
| 5 | Luke 14:12–14 | Then Jesus said to the man who had invited Him, “When you host a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or brothers or relatives or rich neighbors. Otherwise, they may invite you in return, and you will be repaid. But when you host a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, and you will be blessed. Since they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” |
| 6 | James 5:1–5 | 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. Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in the day of slaughter. |
| 7 | Proverbs 28:3 | A destitute leader who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food. |
| 8 | Job 20:19–29 | 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. Nothing is left for him to consume; thus his prosperity will not endure. In the midst of his plenty, he will be distressed; the full force of misery will come upon him. When he has filled his stomach, God will vent His fury upon him, raining it down on him as he eats. Though he flees from an iron weapon, a bronze-tipped arrow will pierce him. It is drawn out of his back, the gleaming point from his liver. Terrors come over him. Total darkness is reserved for his treasures. A fire unfanned will consume him and devour what is left in his tent. The heavens will expose his iniquity, and the earth will rise up against him. The possessions of his house will be removed, flowing away on the day of God’s wrath. This is the wicked man’s portion from God, the inheritance God has appointed him.” |
| 9 | Proverbs 14:31 | Whoever oppresses the poor taunts their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him. |
| 10 | Zechariah 7:9–14 | “This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Administer true justice. Show loving devotion and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. And do not plot evil in your hearts against one another.’ But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder; they stopped up their ears from hearing. They made their hearts like flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the LORD of Hosts had sent by His Spirit through the earlier prophets. Therefore great anger came from the LORD of Hosts. And just as I had called and they would not listen, so when they called I would not listen, says the LORD of Hosts. But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations that they had not known, and the land was left desolate behind them so that no one could come or go. Thus they turned the pleasant land into a desolation.” |
Proverbs 22:16 Summary
[This verse is saying that if we take advantage of people who are poor or give gifts to people who are already rich, it will ultimately lead to our own poverty. This is because God is a God of justice and fairness, and He wants us to treat all people with kindness and respect, as seen in Micah 6:8, where it says that we are to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. By using our resources to help those in need, we can demonstrate God's love and character to the world, and bring glory to Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to oppress the poor in Proverbs 22:16?
Oppressing the poor refers to taking advantage of or exploiting those who are less fortunate, often for personal gain, as seen in Isaiah 10:2, where the prophet condemns those who oppress the poor and deprive them of justice.
Why does giving gifts to the rich lead to poverty according to this verse?
Giving gifts to the rich can lead to poverty because it is a form of enabling or supporting those who already have more than they need, rather than using one's resources to help those in need, as taught in Proverbs 19:17, which says that lending to the poor is like lending to the Lord.
Is this verse saying that it's wrong to be rich or to have wealth?
No, this verse is not condemning wealth itself, but rather the way it is obtained or used, as seen in Proverbs 10:22, which says that the blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without sorrow or pain.
How can I apply the principles of Proverbs 22:16 in my own life?
You can apply the principles of this verse by being mindful of how your actions affect the poor and vulnerable, and by using your resources to help those in need, as taught in Matthew 25:31-46, where Jesus teaches that serving the least of these is equivalent to serving Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be oppressing the poor or giving gifts to the rich without even realizing it, and how can I change my behavior?
- How can I use my resources to help those in need, and what are some practical ways that I can serve the poor in my community?
- What does it mean to 'surely lead to poverty' in this verse, and how can I avoid this outcome in my own life?
- What are some biblical principles that can guide my decision-making when it comes to wealth and resources, and how can I ensure that I am using my resources in a way that honors God?
Gill's Exposition on 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 22:16
He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 22:16
That giveth to the rich; that vainly and prodigally casts away his estate upon those who do not need it, or gives it to them with evil design, as that they may assist him in oppressing the poor, or at least not hinder him in it.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 22:16
Proverbs 22:16 He that oppresseth the poor to increase his [riches, and] he that giveth to the rich, [shall] surely [come] to want.Ver. 16. He that oppresseth the poor, &c.] By fraud or force, or any indirect means. This man lays his foundation in firework, he walks upon a mine of gunpowder; "brimstone is scattered upon his habitation"; if but a flash of God’ s lightning light upon it, all will be on fire, all blown up and brought to nothing. And he that giveth to the rich.] Either to ingratiate and curry favour for countenancing their oppressive practices, or with a mind to get more than they give - for so saith one, that clause, To increase their riches, must here be repeated - which is a more artificial kind of selling their gifts, than if they had professedly set them to sale, as the Greek orator observeth. Both these take a wrong course to be rich. The way were to give to the poor, and not to oppress them, and to "bring presents to him that ought to be feared," since it is he alone that "giveth us all things richly to enjoy." Isocr. ad Demon.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 22:16
(16) He that oppresseth the poor . . .—Rather, he that does so is (thereby) giving to the rich, only to (his own) loss. 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.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 22:16
Verse 16. He that oppresseth the poor] He who, in order to obtain the favour of the rich and great, either robs or cheats the poor, to make those men presents; or gives in presents to them, for the sake of honour and reputation, what he should have given to the poor, shall surely come to want.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 22:16
16. shall surely come] Or, cometh only, R.V. Two opposite methods of self-aggrandisement, grinding the poor and currying favour with the rich, have a common end in penury. Some, however, would render, He that oppresseth the poor (does it) to increase his (the poor man’s) gain, because he urges him to fresh and successful effort; He that giveth to the rich (does it) only to (the rich man’s) want, because he encourages him in the sloth and indulgence which bring him to poverty. But this is far-fetched, and the suggestion that by oppressing your neighbour you may after all prove to be his benefactor is out of harmony with the moral tone of this Book.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 22:16
Better, He who oppresses the poor for his own profit gives. (i. e., will, in the common course of things, be compelled to give) to a rich man, and that only to his own loss.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 22:16
16. He that oppresseth… he that giveth to the rich — The verse is variously understood. It might be rendered: He that defraudeth the weak to make increase for himself, is he that giveth to the rich (but only) for poverty.
Sermons on Proverbs 22:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Don't Preach About Hell! (Compilation) by Compilations | The video is a sermon that emphasizes the importance of recognizing oneself as a child of God. The speaker repeats the phrase "You are my child" multiple times to drive this point |
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Turning the Tide - Part 1 by Charles Stanley | This sermon emphasizes the importance of heeding God's warnings throughout history to avoid the consequences of disobedience. It reflects on the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden |
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At Ease in Zion by David Legge | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching about Christ and the gospel in churches. He urges Christians to be stirred and moved by the idolatry and sin in |
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Ii. Abuses to Be Discussed in Councils by Martin Luther | Martin Luther preaches against the abuses in the Roman Catholic Church, particularly focusing on the corruption, greed, and exploitation of power by the pope, cardinals, and bishop |
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The Sin of Gambling by Mose Stolzfus | Mose Stolzfus delivers a powerful sermon on the sin of gambling, highlighting the alarming statistics of the billions spent on various forms of gambling in America. He emphasizes t |
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Jesus, the Greatest Prosperity Preacher by David Servant | David Servant preaches on the importance of giving with the right motives, emphasizing the need to interpret Scripture in context and not for personal gain. He highlights how Jesus |
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Spiritual Depression by Carter Conlon | This sermon addresses spiritual depression among the godly, emphasizing the challenges faced in a society marked by godlessness and the need to trust in God's promises. It draws pa |