Proverbs 22:16
If you oppress the poor to make yourself rich, or if you're generous to the rich, you'll end up poor yourself.
Free Bible Version
In The King James Version
In Context
15Children are naturally foolish; physical correction helps them to see sense.
17Pay attention and listen to the words of the wise, and think carefully about my teachings—
Cross References
Job 20:19For they have oppressed and abandoned the poor; they have seized houses they did not build.
Proverbs 14:31Anyone who oppresses the poor insults their Maker, but anyone who is kind to the needy honors him.
Proverbs 28:3When someone poor oppresses the poor, it's like heavy rain that beats down the crops.
Micah 2:2They seize any fields they want. They take any houses they want. They cheat people of their houses, and steal their inheritance.
Luke 6:33If you do good to those who do good to you, why should you deserve any credit for that either? Sinners do that as well.
Luke 16:24‘Father Abraham,’ he called out, ‘Have mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I'm burning in agony.’
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 →