Read the Bible in a Year 
This morning read Proverbs 22--24 


Do Not Oppress the Poor to Get Wealthy 


God does not look kindly upon the one who oppresses the poor in order to become wealthy. 

16	He who oppresses the poor to increase his riches,
	And he who gives to the rich, will surely come to poverty. 
	(Pro. 22:16). 

The first thing that came into my mind was the lottery. Who plays the lottery? Most of the time, it is the poor. The government is trying to increase its income by taxing the people in a way that makes them think they are not being taxed. However, here is the amazing thing. The lottery is voluntary. Therefore, it is not truly the government oppressing anyone, but lottery players allow the government to oppress them. How is it oppression? Do you think the government would sponsor the lottery if in the end they lost? The government has to win more than it loses, otherwise, they would cease. 

Do not allow anyone to oppress you through a voluntary activity. On the other hand, if you want to do so, go ahead, because if your playing the lottery decreases the government's need to increase my taxes, then you have my backing. You keep playing a losing game while I reap the benefits of lower taxes.