Thematic Bible: Increase, by oppression
Thematic Bible
Riches » Denunciations against those who » Increase, by oppression
He who oppresses or exploits the poor to get more for himself
Or who gives to the rich [to gain influence and favor], will only come to poverty.
They covet fields and seize them, and houses and take them away; they oppress and crush a man and his house, a man and his inheritance. Therefore thus says the Lord: Behold, against this family I am planning a disaster from which you cannot remove your necks, nor will you be able to walk erect; for it will be an evil time.
Shall not all these [victims of his greed] take up a taunt against him and in scoffing derision of him say, Woe to him who piles up that which is not his! [How long will he possess it?] And [woe to him] who loads himself with promissory notes for usury! Shall [your debtors] not rise up suddenly who shall bite you, exacting usury of you, and those awake who will vex you [toss you to and fro and make you tremble violently]? Then you will be booty for them. Because you [king of Babylon] have plundered many nations, all who are left of the people shall plunder you -- "because of men's blood and for the violence done to the earth, to the city and all the people who live in each city.