The Ism’s at Work

Proverbs 22:16 (KJV) He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.

People with one track minds or petrified understanding of economics might see in this verse a condemnation of capitalism or free enterprise.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  This is not a condemnation of working hard and gaining wealth.  If you need a balance on that look at the Proverbs 31 and see how the perfect wife is praised for starting a business and selling merchandise.

This is a condemnation of both the capitalist and the communist.  The condemnation comes not because of an abstract economic theory, but because the way those theories tend to work out in our sin burdened cultures.  Socialism and communism are really good at talking about equality and the people.  In reality it ends up with the elites oppressing the poor while they live in great luxury.  They are literally living off of the blood of the poor.

So?  We are free to buy and sell at a profit.  We are free to enjoy the fruit of our labor.  We are not free to take unfair advantage of those who may be a little bit less aware of economics than we are.  Live in righteousness, even when it comes to your bank book.