Proverbs 22:16

The book of Proverbs gives us a lot of instruction on a lot of different subjects. One subject that can keep us in God’s wisdom is Godly Follower-ship. Who we follow; where we follow; how we follow are all spoken about in Proverbs. Here is one of them about money and the poor and rich:

Proverbs 22:16 (NASBStr)

He who oppresses the poor to make more for himself

Or who gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.

Proverbs 22:16 (ESV)

Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth,

or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.

You would be hard pressed to make an argument from Scripture for Capitalism.   The shear making of money is not God's plan for man.   With that said, God does not forbid the making of money and accumulation of wealth.   God wants us to use our riches for the promotion of God's work and the Glory of God's name.   Although God does not promote the earning of money for the sake of earning money, He does give us some guidelines about making money.  In the above proverb we see that God talks to us through Solomon's words about how we make money.   Making money, in God's eyes, is not to be on the back of the poor.  Nor is it to be used to impress and buy off the rich.   Making money in the wrong way and using money in the wrong manner are both abhorred by God.   And, He will punish those who do either or both.   We can expect to be in poverty ourselves if we attempt to make money by oppressing the poor.    God is a merciful God.  He does not reward those who don't show mercy.    But, God is also a God who deserves and demands worship.   When we use our money to give to the rich, those who already have money, we are putting them into the place of our worship.  We are using our money to gain access or impression.   God's character is that we honor Him.   Getting money from the poor and giving it to the rich is anti God's character and His Word.