“Give me neither poverty nor riches…. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”
Proverbs 30:8-9
Careful readers of the Bible understand that wealth has many trappings. It would be easy to conclude, then, that perhaps poverty (or at least close to it!) would be preferable for our spiritual well-being. Entire movements in the history of the church have associated material poverty with piety, seeing it as somehow superior to wealth. But we should understand poverty has its own set of temptations and sorrows.
What are the effects of extreme poverty? It may increase the temptation to steal or sin in other ways. It creates a general instability in life that has compounding, ruinous effects (10:15). It has repercussions for interpersonal relationships, causing those we once considered friends to disappear (14:20, 19:4). Extreme poverty is a heavy burden to bear.
Thus, God’s people have often gained a reputation as those who have a particular heart for the poor. You may be a tool used to provide someone else’s daily bread. Doing what you can to ease the weight of extreme poverty is a mark of the wise and godly person.
What are the effects of extreme poverty? It may increase the temptation to steal or sin in other ways. It creates a general instability in life that has compounding, ruinous effects (10:15). It has repercussions for interpersonal relationships, causing those we once considered friends to disappear (14:20, 19:4). Extreme poverty is a heavy burden to bear.
Thus, God’s people have often gained a reputation as those who have a particular heart for the poor. You may be a tool used to provide someone else’s daily bread. Doing what you can to ease the weight of extreme poverty is a mark of the wise and godly person.
Scripture Focus
Luke 10:25-37
Insight
Consider today how people in your city are helping alleviate poverty. Is it working? Can you help?
Bible In A Year
- Jeremiah 29-30
- Psalm 118
- 1 Corinthians 10
