Treatment of The Poor

(Prov 14:20,21 NIrV) Poor people are avoided even by their neighbors. But rich people have many friends. Anyone who hates his neighbor commits sin. But blessed is the person who is kind to those in need.

This morning we continue our series I have been going verse-by-verse, but I needed to cover two verses this morning, because these two go ‘hand in hand.’ Let’s break this passage down and take a closer look:

Poor people are avoided even by their neighbors: While is sad and it should not be this way, it is true that in the world the poor are often shunned. No seems to want to deal with them, especially not to befriend them. So, in addition to the economic challenges they are already facing (due to their poverty), the poor also suffer socially.

In the 19th chapter Solomon said, “When you're down on your luck, even your family avoids you—yes, even your best friends wish you'd get lost. If they see you coming, they look the other way” (v.7). Solomon is not teaching what God wants us to do, but rather what he sees as the reality of the way of the world.

Many people form so-called “friendships” on the basis of self-interest; seeking only what the can get from the other person. I would submit to you that these relationships are no true friendships at all.

But rich people have many friends: In the 19th chapter Solomon also said, “Wealth attracts friends as honey draws flies, but poor people are avoided like a plague” (v.4). But once again, the people that are drawn by the wealth may be called friends, but are they really? In one sense the rich man has many friends, because his wealth does attract people like honey, but in another sense he never knows how many true friends he has; friends who love him for who he is rather than for what he possesses.

Anyone who hates his neighbor commits sin: In context, this is a reference to a person that hates or despises his neighbor because of their poverty. The Bible calls it is a sin to judge someone solely based upon the size of their bank account. It’s a sad commentary, but even many Christians avoid the poor like the plague. I grew up poor and so did my wife. There was nothing wrong with us; we just did not have much money, that’s all. Poor people are people FIRST and we – especially as believers – should not forget it.

But blessed is the person who is kind to those in need: This is where the question: “So what does this mean to you today?” comes in. The Father promised to bless Abraham and his descendants (which now includes non-Jews, because of Christ) TO BE a blessing (see Gen 12:1,2; Gal 3). Are you blessed financially? Praise God! But remember that you are blessed TO BE a blessing to others.

The Father clearly wants you to be kind to the poor. Later on in this chapter Solomon said, “He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God” (v.31). Solomon also went on to say: “If you help the poor, you are lending to the LORD—and He will repay you!” (Prov 19:17); and “Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed” (Prov 28:27).

There are many more Bible verses I could give you, but I trust you get the point by now. The Father does not want you to look down on people, especially the poor, but He rather desires for you to seek ways TO BE a blessing to others, even if it includes money.

Father, I thank You for blessing me TO BE a blessing. I refuse to judge people based upon the size of their bank accounts and I definitely refuse to look down on someone, just because they are facing hard financial times. I am eternally thankful for ALL You have blessed me with and I am always on the lookout for ways TO BE a blessing to others, even if that includes money. Whatever You lead me to do Father, I will do it – BY FAITH. Father, use me today to be a blessing to someone else. In Jesus’ name. Amen!