Contradiction with Proverbs 13:11
Proverbs 13:11 suggests that wealth gathered little by little increases, whereas Proverbs 22:16 implies that those who oppress the poor to increase wealth will come to poverty.
Proverbs 13:11: Wealth [gotten] by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase. [by labour: Heb. with the hand]
Contradiction with Proverbs 28:22
Proverbs 28:22 warns that hastening to be rich brings poverty, whereas Proverbs 22:16 notes that gaining wealth unjustly (through oppressing the poor or giving to the rich) leads to poverty.
Proverbs 28:22: He that hasteth to be rich [hath] an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him. [hasteth...: or, hath an evil eye hasteth to be rich]
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 5:10
Ecclesiastes 5:10 states that those who love money will not be satisfied, unlike Proverbs 22:16, which indicates that people may pursue wealth through unjust means and face negative consequences.
Ecclesiastes 5:10: He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this [is] also vanity.
Contradiction with James 5:1-3
James 5:1-3 warns rich people of misery due to hoarded wealth, akin to the admonition in Proverbs 22:16 about coming to poverty through unjust financial practices.
James 5:1-3: Go to now, [ye] rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon [you].
Paradox #1
Proverbs 22:16 might show a moral conflict by highlighting the tension between wealth and fairness. It suggests that some actions, like getting rich by exploiting poor people or using money to gain power over others, are wrong. The contradiction arises because having wealth isn't bad in itself, but the way it's gained and used can create unfairness or harm, leading to moral questions about justice and equality.