Proverbs 22:16
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.
Catholic Public Domain Version
In The King James Version
In Context
15Foolishness has been bound to the heart of a child, and a rod of discipline shall cause it to flee.
17Incline your ear, and listen to the words of the wise. Then apply your heart to my doctrine.
Cross References
Job 20:19For, having broken in, he stripped the poor. He has quickly stolen away a house he did not build.
Proverbs 14:31Whoever slanders the indigent argues against his Maker. But he who has compassion on the poor honors his Maker.
Proverbs 28:3A poor man slandering the poor is like a violent rainstorm in advance of a famine.
Micah 2:2And they have desired fields and have taken them by violence, and they have stolen houses. And they have made false accusations against a man and his house, a man and his inheritance.
Luke 6:33And if you will do good to those who do good to you, what credit is due to you? Indeed, even sinners behave this way.
Luke 16:24And crying out, he said: ‘Father Abraham, take pity on me and send Lazarus, so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water to refresh my tongue. For I am tortured in this fire.’
Matthew Henry on Proverbs 22:16
15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. We have here two very sad considerations:— 1. That corruption is woven into our nature. Sin is foolishness; it is contrary both to our right reason and to our true interest. It is in the heart; there is an inward inclination to sin, to speak and act foolishly. It is in the heart of children; they bring it into the world with them; it is what they were shapen and conceived in. It is not only found there, but it… Read the whole commentary →