It is worthwhile to adopt this proverb as a guiding principle in life. It is easy to exploit and oppress the poor because they are defenseless; their needs, hardships, and the urgency of survival for themselves and their families make it simple to take advantage of them. This is a daily reality in the communities where we live. However, those who oppress and exploit are almost always doomed to serve others and pass their wealth on to even worse exploiters; hence the wise man’s observation: “The poor are oppressed to enrich themselves, the rich are given to debase themselves.” It is best to stand with the poor and fight together for genuine and lasting justice; this may not generate wealth, but it at least offers the satisfaction of knowing you are supporting God’s plan.