Proverbs 22:16

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

Ver. 16. He that oppresseth the poor, &c.] By fraud or force, or any indirect means. This man lays his foundation in firework, Job 20:26 he walks upon a mine of gunpowder; "brimstone is scattered upon his habitation"; Job 18:15 if but a flash of God's lightning light upon it, all will be on fire, all blown up and brought to nothing.

And he that giveth to the rich.] Either to ingratiate and curry favour for countenancing their oppressive practices, or with a mind to get more than they give - for so saith one, that clause, To increase their riches, must here be repeated - which is a more artificial kind of selling their gifts, than if they had professedly set them to sale, as the Greek orator observeth. a Both these take a wrong course to be rich. The way were to give to the poor, and not to oppress them, and to "bring presents to him that ought to be feared," Psa 76:11 since it is he alone that "giveth us all things richly to enjoy." 1Ti 6:17

a Isocr. ad Demon.