He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.
Oppressing the poor in order to increase riches and giving to the rich both surely end in want. Exploiting the vulnerable for gain and bestowing favor upon the already powerful are set side by side as two paths to the same poverty. Worldly policies in business that deal unjustly with people or show partiality to the influential are thereby rejected. The warning serves as a safeguard against financial ruin, teaching that just treatment of others is part of what protects property. That same justice upholds the trust and cooperation on which sound social and economic life depends.
Oppressing the poor in order to increase riches and giving to the rich both surely end in want. Exploiting the vulnerable for gain and bestowing favor upon the already powerful are set side by side as two paths to the same poverty. Worldly policies in business that deal unjustly with people or show partiality to the influential are thereby rejected. The warning serves as a safeguard against financial ruin, teaching that just treatment of others is part of what protects property. That same justice upholds the trust and cooperation on which sound social and economic life depends.