Proverbs 22:16

The one who oppresses the poor to increase his own gain and the one who gives to the rich ¹  – both end up only in poverty.

He who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and he who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.

He who oppresses the poor to make more for himself Or who gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.

A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty.

Exploit the poor or glad-hand the rich--whichever, you'll end up the poorer for it.

He who is cruel to the poor for the purpose of increasing his profit, and he who gives to the man of wealth, will only come to be in need.

Oppressing the poor in order to enrich oneself, and giving to the rich, will lead only to loss.

He who oppresses the poor to increase his riches, And he who gives to the rich, will surely come to poverty.

The one who oppresses the poor to increase his own gain and the one who gives to the rich ¹  – both end up only in poverty.

¹ tn Heb “oppressing the poor, it is gain; giving to the rich, it is loss.” The Hebrew is cryptic, but two sins are mentioned here that will be punished by poverty: extortion and bribery. Perhaps the proverb is simply saying it is easy to oppress the poor for gain, but it is a waste of money to try to buy or bribe a patron (D. Kidner, Proverbs [TOTC], 149).