Proverbs 22:16

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

He that oppresseth the poor to increase his (riches, and) he that giveth to the rich, (shall) surely (Hebrew, only; 'ak (H389 )) (come) to want. Both alike are seeking self: the one by oppressing the poor, the other by giving to the rich hoping for something again (Luke 6:33). The latter often comes to want and disappointment in this world, and certainly shall be without the true riches at the day of coming recompense (Luke 14:12). Maurer translates, 'He that oppresseth the poor shall' in the event be found 'to increase the poor man's riches;' as when the oppressive injury has been detected, his property shall be restored to him, and be shall receive more (Mercer); for thereby the poor is stirred up to strain his energies the more (Maurer). "He that giveth to the rich" (meanwhile oppressing the poor, so as to have what to give to the "rich," Mercer) shall, in the event, be found to have done so only to the impoverishment of the rich man, is the rich man is thereby tempted to idleness and extravagance.