One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.
Proverbs 22:16 (NIV)
Oppressing
In a 2013 survey of 80 countries by the World Values Survey, Canada was ranked among the most racially tolerant societies in the world. In 2021, the Social Progress Index ranked Canada 6th in the world for overall tolerance and inclusion. Canada’s past, however, is not so tolerant. In far too many instances, there have been laws and regulations that have negatively affected a wide variety of races, religions, and groups of persons.
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Sadly, down through history fine church-going people have owned slaves and built their fortune by taking advantage of others. Nothing could be farther from Kingdom of God principles and Biblical teaching. God’s people are called to treat others with respect, give to the poor, speak up for those who are being mistreated and care for the widows and orphans. Such things as greed, abuse and slavery do not belong in the lives of those who call themselves followers of Jesus. King Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, and a man who took note of eternal truths, wrote this in Proverbs 22:16: “One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and one who gives gifts to the rich – both come to poverty.” Solomon was a ruler in a day when most rulers were tyrants and who gained their power off the backs of the powerless. He noticed that in the end, everyone ends up with the same thing. We don’t take our riches with us. All of us go into eternity with nothing. How much better to live by Biblical principles, stand up for justice, care for the poor, and get rich in friendships and a good name. That we can take into eternity.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley