Taking advantage of the poor to get ahead or trying to win favor with the wealthy both end up backfiring. The Hebrew word for "oppress" is ashaq, meaning to cheat or exploit. The verse claims that schemes to get ahead at others’ expense don’t work out as planned. In ancient times, the poor had few protections, so this was a bold statement. It’s still countercultural today, where success is often measured by what you can get away with.

If you’re tempted to cut corners or use people for your own gain, this proverb says it won’t last. Real success comes from fairness and respect, not manipulation. And if you’ve ever felt used or overlooked, know that this verse recognizes your experience and says it matters. In the end, how you treat others shapes what you gain—or lose—in life.