Topical Bible: Riches: Denunciations Against Those Who: Increase, by Oppression

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The Bible contains numerous warnings and denunciations against those who amass wealth through oppressive means. The Scriptures consistently emphasize God's concern for justice and righteousness, condemning the exploitation of the poor and vulnerable for personal gain. This entry explores the biblical perspective on the accumulation of riches through oppression, highlighting key passages and themes.

Old Testament Warnings

The Old Testament prophets frequently addressed the issue of wealth gained through unjust practices. In the book of Isaiah, the prophet condemns those who "join house to house and field to field" until there is no room left for others, effectively dispossessing the poor (Isaiah 5:8). This passage underscores the greed and selfishness of those who expand their wealth at the expense of others.

Similarly, the prophet Micah speaks against those who "covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them away" (Micah 2:2). This denunciation highlights the moral corruption of those who exploit their power to deprive others of their rightful property.

In the book of Amos, the prophet rebukes those who "trample the head of the poor into the dust of the earth and turn aside the way of the afflicted" (Amos 2:7). Amos's message is a powerful indictment of social injustice and the mistreatment of the marginalized.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus and the apostles addressing the dangers of wealth obtained through oppression. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus pronounces a woe upon the rich, warning them of the perils of their wealth: "But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort" (Luke 6:24). This statement serves as a caution against the complacency and moral blindness that can accompany ill-gotten wealth.

James, the brother of Jesus, offers a stern warning to the rich oppressors in his epistle: "Look, the wages you withheld from the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts" (James 5:4). This passage emphasizes God's awareness of injustice and His impending judgment on those who exploit laborers.

Theological Implications

The denunciations against those who increase riches by oppression reflect a broader biblical theme of God's justice and concern for the oppressed. The Scriptures consistently call for fair treatment, honesty, and integrity in economic dealings. Wealth, in itself, is not condemned; rather, it is the means by which it is acquired and the attitude of the heart that are scrutinized.

The Bible's teachings on this subject serve as a reminder of the moral responsibility that accompanies wealth. Believers are called to pursue justice, show compassion, and use their resources to uplift others rather than exploit them. The denunciations against oppressive wealth accumulation underscore the importance of aligning one's economic practices with the values of the Kingdom of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 22:16
He that oppresses the poor to increase his riches, and he that gives to the rich, shall surely come to want.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Habakkuk 2:6-8
Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increases that which is not his! how long? and to him that lades himself with thick clay!
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Micah 2:2,3
And they covet fields, and take them by violence; and houses, and take them away: so they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Introduction to Oration ii.
... 2739] and, Mine anger is kindled against the shepherds ... lambs: [2740] adding to the
threat those who rule ... he cannot easily free himself from denunciations, and I ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/introduction to oration ii.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... youths, and the martyrs, brought down denunciations upon them ... not only his presence,
but an increase of light by ... guilty of the blood of those against whom this ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... preserved, domestic, social, and national purity and happiness must increase with
still ... 2. It is the duty of those that can to cry out against this deadly ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

Introductory Notice Respecting Tauler's Life and Times
... Tauler's denunciations of this class brought him, of course ... to enforce the statutes
of his predecessors against them ... roots of belief lay beneath those regions of ...
/.../introductory notice respecting taulers life.htm