WHO IS THE POOR? 😒

 

WHO IS THE POOR?

Sabrena Fenna                                                                    August 9, 2024

    According to the Word of God (the Bible), the concept of poverty and who is considered “poor” encompasses more than just economic or material circumstances.

    Let’s explore this from a biblical perspective:

Economic Poverty:

    In Scripture, the term “poor” primarily refers to those who lack sufficient income or material resources. These individuals struggle to meet basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter.

Some key characteristics associated with economic poverty include:

Insufficient food: “Then the poor among you may get food” (Exodus 23:11, NIV).

Inability to afford necessities: “If . . . he is poor and cannot afford these” (Leviticus 14:21, NIV).

Dependence on daily wages: “Pay him his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and is counting on it” (Deuteronomy 24:15, NIV).

Complex Circumstances and Causes:

While economic poverty is a central theme, the Bible recognizes that poverty is often intertwined with other factors:

Injustice and Oppression: Poverty can result from unjust systems or exploitation. Proverbs 13:23 warns that injustice can sweep away the abundance produced by a poor person’s field.

Social Isolation: Proverbs 19:4 highlights that wealth attracts friends, but a poor person may experience desertion.

Spiritual Richness: A person can be economically poor yet spiritually rich. Proverbs 28:6 emphasizes that a blameless walk is more valuable than material wealth.

Wisdom and Discernment: Ecclesiastes 9:15 tells the story of a wise but forgotten poor man who saved a city.

The Poor in Spirit:

    Jesus also speaks of the “poor in spirit” in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3). This refers to those who recognize their spiritual neediness and dependence on God. It’s not about material poverty but a humble posture before God.

    Christ Himself became poor to enrich others (2 Corinthians 8:9). He preached good news to the poor (Matthew 11:5; Luke 4:18) and blessed those who recognized their need for Him.

Caution Against Foolishness and Moral Decay:

    Proverbs warns that foolishness can lead to poverty (Proverbs 28:19). Drunkards and gluttons may become poor (Proverbs 23:21).

Poverty resulting from moral decay serves as a reminder to seek wisdom and discernment.

The scriptures contain several verses that emphasize kindness, generosity, and compassion toward the poor.

 Let's explore a few of these:

Proverbs 19:17- "Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed."

    This verse beautifully captures the idea that acts of kindness toward the less fortunate are not in vain; they are like a loan to God Himself.

Proverbs 22:9 - "Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor."

    Having a generous spirit and willingly sharing resources with those in need brings blessings.

Proverbs 21:13   - "Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered."

    Ignoring the cries of the poor can have consequences; it's a reminder to show compassion and listen to their needs.

Proverbs 14:31 - "Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honours him."

    Treating the poor with kindness and generosity honours God, who created all people.

Psalm 41:1 -How blessed is he who considers the helpless; The Lord will deliver him in a day of trouble.

Matthew 6:3- But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,

    We must be careful how we go about our giving especially to the poor be discreet God will reward you greatly

Proverbs 28:27 - He who gives to the poor will never want, but he who shuts his eyes will have many curses

Proverbs 22:16- He who oppresses the poor to make more for himself or who gives to the rich, will only come to poverty

Proverbs 22:22- Do not rob the poor because he is poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate

Proverbs 14:31-He who oppresses the poor taunts his Maker, but he who is gracious to the needy honours Him

1 Samuel 2:8- He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honour. “For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s; on them he has set the world.

Psalms 140:12-I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.

Psalms 12:5 “Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will protect them from those who malign them.

Hebrews 13:16- And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased

    Sharing our resources with others—especially those less fortunate—is considered a pleasing sacrifice to God. It reflects our willingness to prioritize love and compassion over personal gain

Deuteronomy 15:11- "For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore, I command you, you shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land."

    God acknowledges that poverty will always exist, but He commands us to open our hands wide—to be generous and compassionate toward those in need. It's both a duty and an opportunity for blessing.

    Paul reminds us of Jesus' teaching: true blessing lies in giving rather than receiving. When we extend kindness to the weak and vulnerable, we experience a profound sense of fulfilment

     Jesus encourages a generous heart. When we give freely, we receive blessings in return—often more than we gave. It's a beautiful principle of sowing and reaping.

Bible’s view of poverty extends beyond mere economics. It encompasses social, spiritual, and moral dimensions. As believers, we are called to compassionately support those in need, recognizing that poverty affects the whole person

 

SOURCE

 https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/The-Poor.

: https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Helping-The-Poor

https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/bible-verses-about-helping-the-poor/.

https://www.biblestudy.org/bible-study-by-topic/proverbs/poverty.html.

https://connectusfund.org/40-important-bible-scriptures-on-giving-to-the-poor.

https://biblehub.com/proverbs/19-17.htm.