16 One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and one who gives gifts to the rich-both come to poverty.

Other Translations of Proverbs 22:16

King James Version

16 He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.

English Standard Version

16 Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.

The Message

16 Exploit the poor or glad-hand the rich - whichever, you'll end up the poorer for it. The Thirty Precepts of the Sages Don't Move Back the Boundary Lines

New King James Version

16 He who oppresses the poor to increase his riches, And he who gives to the rich, will surely come to poverty.

New Living Translation

16 A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 22:16

Commentary on Proverbs 22:16

(Read Proverbs 22:16)

We are but stewards, and must distribute what God intrusts to our care, according to his will.