Pro 22:16 | MHM | STEP | The Folly of Oppressing the Poor and Giving to the Rich This section warns about the mistakes that wealthy people sometimes make. Some try to increase their riches by withholding help from the poor or by giving gifts to the rich for their own benefit. However, these actions lead to loss and God’s judgment. True wisdom is to be generous to those in need, not just to those who can repay us. v. 16 : The Bible says, “He who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth, and he who gives gifts to the rich, will surely come to poverty” . Some people refuse to help the poor, thinking this will make them richer. Instead, they spend money on gifts and big meals for the rich, hoping for favors or to look important. But this selfish generosity will not last. In the end, they will lose what they have, because God is not pleased with those who ignore the needs of the poor. Jesus taught us to invite and help the poor, not just our rich friends (Luke 14:12-13 ). Oppressing those in need, or using power to take from the helpless, is wrong and will bring trouble. True generosity blesses both the giver and the receiver.

‏ Proverbs 22:16

The Folly of Oppressing the Poor and Giving to the Rich

This section warns about the mistakes that wealthy people sometimes make. Some try to increase their riches by withholding help from the poor or by giving gifts to the rich for their own benefit. However, these actions lead to loss and God’s judgment. True wisdom is to be generous to those in need, not just to those who can repay us.

v. 16: The Bible says, “He who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth, and he who gives gifts to the rich, will surely come to poverty” . Some people refuse to help the poor, thinking this will make them richer. Instead, they spend money on gifts and big meals for the rich, hoping for favors or to look important. But this selfish generosity will not last. In the end, they will lose what they have, because God is not pleased with those who ignore the needs of the poor. Jesus taught us to invite and help the poor, not just our rich friends (Luke 14:12-13 ^a). Oppressing those in need, or using power to take from the helpless, is wrong and will bring trouble. True generosity blesses both the giver and the receiver.