Proverbs 22:16
He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, [must at length] give to the rich, and come only to want.
Leeser Tanakh
In The King James Version
In Context
15When folly is bound fast to the heart of a lad, the rod of correction must remove it far from him.
17Incline thy ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thy heart unto my knowledge.
Cross References
Job 20:19Because he oppressed and forsook the indigent; because he took violently away a house, shall he not rebuild it;
Proverbs 14:31He that oppresseth the poor blasphemeth his Maker; but he that is gracious to the needy honoreth him.
Proverbs 28:3A poor man that oppresseth the indigent is like a sweeping rain which bringeth no bread.
Micah 2:2And they covet fields, and rob them; and houses, and take them away: so they defraud the master and his house, and the man and his heritage.
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 →