Proverbs 22:16 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 22:16 mean?

Proverbs 22:16 warns that anyone who takes advantage of the poor to gain wealth, or who gives gifts to the rich, will end up in poverty themselves. The verse highlights that exploiting others or currying favor with the wealthy is ultimately self-defeating.

This proverb comes from a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to Solomon, addressed to anyone seeking practical guidance for life. The verse draws a sharp contrast between gaining wealth through unjust means and the eventual consequences, reminding readers that such actions are short-sighted and lead to loss rather than lasting gain.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 22:16

• "Oppresseth" (עָשַׁק, ʿāshaq) means to wrong, exploit, or take advantage of someone, especially the vulnerable. The word here emphasizes active harm or unfair treatment, not just passive neglect.
• "Poor" (דָּל, dal) refers to someone who is weak or lacking resources, not just financially but also in terms of social standing.
• "Increase" (רָבָה, rabah) means to multiply or make greater, highlighting the motive of growing one’s own wealth at another’s expense.
• "Giveth" (נָתַן, natan) is the ordinary word for giving, but here it points to giving to the rich—likely as flattery or to gain favor, not out of generosity.
• "Rich" (עָשִׁיר, ʿashir) describes someone already wealthy, so giving to them is not about meeting need but about seeking advantage.
• "Want" (מַחְסוֹר, maḥsor) means lack or poverty, showing that the end result for those who act this way is the very condition they tried to avoid.

Why Proverbs 22:16 matters

• Proverbs 22:16 corrects the idea that exploiting others or aligning with the powerful guarantees security or success; it insists that such strategies backfire.
• The verse fits into a broader biblical theme that God cares about justice for the poor and warns against trusting in wealth or social maneuvering.
• This proverb helps clarify that true wisdom involves integrity and fairness, not just cleverness or ambition.