He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.
Anyone who takes advantage of poor people to make themselves richer, or who gives gifts to wealthy people to gain favor, will definitely end up in poverty themselves.
This verse warns that exploiting the poor or trying to buy favor with the wealthy will ultimately backfire and lead to your own downfall.
📚 Historical Context
In ancient Israel, during the time of King Solomon and the broader wisdom tradition, proverbs were collected as practical teachings to help people live wisely and justly in a society marked by economic disparities. This verse specifically warns against exploiting the poor for personal gain or currying favor with the wealthy, reflecting the cultural emphasis on God's laws that protected the vulnerable and promoted fairness. It draws from the broader biblical narrative where oppression of the marginalized was consistently condemned as contrary to divine justice.
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