Proverbs 22:16

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 22:16

This shows what evil courses rich men sometimes take, by which, in the end, they will impoverish themselves and provoke God, notwithstanding their abundance, to bring them to want; they oppress the poor and give to the rich. 1. They will not in charity relieve the poor, but withhold from them, that by saving that which is really the best, but which they think the most needless part of their expenses, they may increase their riches; but they will make presents to the rich, and give them great... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 22:16

He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches ,.... By taking away from them the little they have; by keeping back their hire, defrauding them of the just wages of their labours; or by usury and extortion, or any other unjust method, whereby they distress the poor, and enrich themselves; and he that giveth to the rich shall surely come to want : that gives to those that are richer than he; or that are in greater power and authority, that they may protect him in the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 22:16

He that oppresseth the poor - He who, in order to obtain the favor of the rich and great, either robs or cheats the poor, to make those men presents; or gives in presents to them, for the sake of honor and reputation, what he should have given to the poor, shall surely come to want. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 22:1-16

The theme of the earlier part of the chapter may be said to be the good name: the blessings in the possession of it, and the conditions for the acquirement of it—partly negatively, partly positively, described. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 22:13-16

Hindrances to the attainment of a good name I. SLOTH . ( Proverbs 22:13 .) It is full of ridiculous excuses here satirized. While a noble energy refuses to own the word "impossible," it is ever on the lips of the indolent. As in the Arabic fable of the ostrich, or "camel bird," they said to it, "Carry!" It answered, "I cannot, for I am a bird." They said, "Fly!" It answered, "I cannot, for I am a camel." Always, "I cannot !" He who in false regard to his own soul refuses to go... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 22:16

He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches (so the Vulgate), and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want. There are various renderings and explanations of this verse. The Authorized Version says that he who oppresseth the poor to enrich himself, and he who wastes his means by giving to those who do not need it, will come to poverty. But the antithesis of this distich is thus lost. The Hebrew literally rendered brings out the contrast, Whosoever oppresseth the poor,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 22:16-22

(See homily on Proverbs 22:28 .)—C. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 22:16

Proverbs 22:16. He that oppresseth the poor That extorts what is not due to him from his poor tenants and neighbours, invades their rights, and takes advantage of their ignorance, or want of experience, or necessity, to increase his riches; and he that giveth to the rich That vainly and prodigally casts away his estate on those who do not need it, or gives it to them with an evil design, as that they may assist him in oppressing the poor, or, at least, not hinder him in it; shall surely... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 22:1-16

Children and adults (22:1-16)People vary in reputation and status, but they should respect one another as being equally God’s creatures (22:1-2). Wise people will act with caution and humility. They will bring up their children in a way that prepares them for the experiences they will face in the life ahead (3-6). Those who borrow will fall into the power of the lenders, and this can lead to unjust treatment of the poor by the rich. Such oppression will be punished, but generosity will be... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 22:16

"He that oppresseth the poor to increase his gain, And he that giveth to the rich shall come only to want."This is a disputed verse, and several different renditions are possible, none of which are any better than the one in our version. read more

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