Prov 19:7 NIV) A poor man is shunned by all his relatives-how much more do his friends avoid him! Though he pursues them with pleading, they are nowhere to be found.
Here Solomon continues to compare and contrast the treatment received by those who are wealthy with those who are poor. Don't misunderstand Solomon, he is not attempting to demean or degrade the poor. Just six verses ago Solomon said, "Better is the poor man whose ways are upright, than the man of wealth whose ways are twisted." Sure, there are those who walk upright before the Lord who fall into hard times. Bad things do happen to good people. The size of your checking account is not a direct reflection of the quality of your character. There are many Godly people who struggle financially; and then again there are many who find themselves in poverty because of slothfulness, fiscal mismanagement, and overall irresponsibility.
Solomon teaches about all these things in his writings, but that is NOT what this verse is about. This is more of a contrast to the last verse where Solomon said, "Lots of people flock around a generous person; everyone's a friend to the philanthropist." Just like people flock around the rich and powerful in hopes of getting something from them, people eschew the poor because they perceive they don't have anything to offer. Many see the poor as "takers" and not "givers" so they avoid them at all costs, unless of course, on those occasions in which they are in a giving mood. If they are not in a giving mood, then they avoid the poor like the plague.
The Message Bible paraphrase of this verse reads: "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." While that is harsh, it is often true. No one seems to want to deal with the poor, especially not to befriend them. So, in addition to the economic challenges the poor already face (due to their poverty), they also often suffer socially. Once again, this is not Solomon telling us that we SHOULD act this way, 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 not true friendships at all.
So what does this mean to you ? A few things:
1. Be a blessing to the poor: Back in chapter 14 Solomon mentioned something similar when he said, "Poor people are avoided even by their neighbors. But rich people have many friends." However, instead of stopping there, with simply a statement of fact, Solomon went on to say, "Anyone who hates his neighbor commits sin. But blessed is the person who is kind to those in need." As a believer we are blessed TO BE a blessing. Never forget the purpose of your prosperity.
2. Be there for your family: What is most sad about this verse is the reference to family members turning away from a person when they are in need. I have a great family and I am fully confident that they will always be there for me. I too am always there for them. Be there for your family!
3. Establish true relationships: When you have "real" friends then you have to be there for them trough think and thin, up and down, feast and famine. Never leave your friend when they need you the most.
Father, I declare, by faith, that I am blessed TO BE a blessing and I WILL BE a blessing to all those You lead me to. I become the conduit through which You reach and touch others. Your blessing flows to and through me to my friends and family. I don't leave my friends or relatives when they need me the most. I will be there for them through good times and bad. I am not alone and neither are they. I have great friends and family and we are there for each other. Thank You Father for blessing us to enjoy life together. Life is better when it is enjoyed with others. In Jesus' name. Amen!
No comments:
Post a Comment