Oppressing the Poor to Increase Riches - Proverbs 22:16

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him”, and in chapter twenty-two and verse sixteen of Proverbs Solomon shared about, “he that oppresses the poor to increase his riches” where we read,

He that oppresses the poor to increase his riches,

and he that gives to the rich, shall surely come to want.

The verse begins, “He that oppresses the poor to increase his riches, ...” Solomon began with the words, “he that oppresses the poor” or “the person whether male or female who presses upon, violates, wrongs and deceitfully extorts from people who are impoverished, in want, in need and destitute” “to increase his riches” which means “for the purpose of enlarging, growing and multiplying exceedingly the person's wealth and nobility” shall be as follows. Solomon referred to the person who violates and wrongs people who are impoverished just to multiply their own wealth and nobility. 

The verse goes on to say, “... and he that gives to the rich, shall surely come to want.” Solomon continued with the words, “and he that gives to the rich” or “and the person whether male or female who permits, grants ascribes and delivers up to people who are wealthy and noble” “shall surely come to want” which means “will even so and indeed be in poverty, lack or need”. Solomon said the person who bestows gifts upon people who are wealthy will certainly be in lack and poverty. 

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we discover through Solomon about people who take advantage of those who are in need to advance their own wealth, and he included people who give to the wealthy as well. God owns everything, and we should always remember we are only stewards of what belongs to Him. (See Psalm 24:1) He loves all people, and He wants us to be in a personal relationship with us through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for our sins. When we yield our lives to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and make us aware of those who are wealthy and impoverished so we never use God's resources to “oppress” others or foolishly give to our own demise. 

Next time Solomon says, “bow down your ear, and hear the words of the wise”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".