One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and one who gives gifts to the rich — both come to poverty. Proverbs 22:16
“We take the verse as a typical dispassionate observation on the rich and the poor. [The first part of the verse] observes that one can enrich oneself by taking from the poor, a fairly obvious conclusion in view of the defenselessness of the poor against tax farmers, debt collectors, and bandits. [The next part of the verse] makes precisely the opposite statement, which seems at first reading to be ridiculous: giving to the wealthy makes one poor. Who in their right mind would give to the wealthy? On reflection however, [that part] makes sense. Many people try to bribe the wealthy or ingratiate themselves with them by means of presents. The rich may accept the money and presents but are sufficiently cunning not to be fooled or coerced. The rich will always do what they want. Those who curry favor with them end up the poorer. The seemingly absurd antithesis memorably expresses the great gulf between the poor and the rich.”
Richard J. Clifford in Proverbs: A Commentary (Louisville: WJKP, 1999) 199.
As we continue on the theme of gain, don’t try to “curry favor” from the rich to get it or your plans will blow up on you. Today’s proverb appears, at first glance, merely as a “typical dispassionate observation on the rich and the poor” ends up providing a wealth of wisdom. God sees everything that happens under the sun. He watches those who attain gain from the poor and those who give gifts to “curry favor” from rich friends. Both will end up in poverty.
Who are the tax farmers, debt collectors, and bandits today? Again, since the ancient economy was so different from modern economies, we must instead ask, who oppresses the poor. Most point to human traffickers or sweat shop owners. Sure, those are obvious candidates. But what about many wealthy business owners, and check-cashing shops, and gambling operations? From God’s perspective, these come into view as practicing oppression, extortion, and theft.
In countries like Hong Kong, I understand that gambling is big business and that the gambling circuit has become a leading philanthropic channel. Basically they are taking from the poor and funneling it back to the privileged in society. One friend has asked me if Christian charities in Hong Kong should accept gambling money. I think not. Receiving their gifts reflects support of their system. You may win in the short run but, in the end, you will lose with them and end up in poverty.
Lest you think I hold a negative view on “gain” in relation to generosity, we will turn to a few positive texts in the days ahead. Hear these posts as me simply reporting findings from fresh biblical study. So, on gain, let us start with the understanding that God sees and cares about how we earn whatever gain we attain. If we choose nefarious avenues that prey on the poor, even if we have generous motives, we with the corrupt, we too will end up impoverished in the end.