Your attitude toward the poor

Proverbs 19:17 (NIV)

He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and He will reward him for what he has done. 

The word “poor” is mentioned 177 times in the Bible including 37 times in Psalms and 37 times in Proverbs.  There are different Hebrew words used for poor; in this verse the word is “dal” meaning lean, needy, weak, poor.  Other Proverbs using this same word for poor include 14:31, 21:13, 22:9.  Other verses use other Hebrew words that translate as “destitute”, “afflicted”, “lowly”, and so forth.

The Bible is very clear that showing compassion toward the poor honors God (Prov 14:31) and brings blessings and rewards.  Ignoring or oppressing the poor shows contempt for God (14:31), will bring curses (Prov 28:27), and will not have your own prayers answered (Prov 21:13).

I admit that sometimes I have to fight prejudice against the poor because many poor people I have known personally were in that condition because they were lazy and irresponsible.  In other words it was their own fault for becoming poor and needy, so why should I try to help them?  Indeed, it is disturbing when you see people purposefully lazy and irresponsible, then expecting others to help them through charity or on the streets begging.  This reminds me of a friend who loved to be approached by someone on a city street begging for money, then taking that person into a place like McDonald’s, buying them a meal, then making them fill out an application for a job!   

Yet, of course, even though such observations are based on some fact and truth, you never know the whole story behind someone being so needy and poor and to have a negative attitude toward them is both judgmental and against biblical teaching.  Christians must have compassion for others as Jesus taught in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37).

Causes of poverty are many; indeed several Proverbs blaming people for their conditions (10:4, 13:8, 14:23, 23:20-21, 28:22).  However, many people are poor because of circumstances beyond their control.  Proverbs 13:23 says that injustice causes a man to be poor.

The bottom line for you as a Christian is to have compassion and share with those in need.  That’s why you are to give away some of what you earn.  Ephesians 4:28 says that you are to labor so that you have something to share with him who has need.  You can make excuses for why you don’t want to share with the poor, but realize whatever your reason(s), they won’t hold up under the scrutiny of God and His ways.

Re-evaluate your attitude toward the poor and take positive action to do something to help them.  The Lord will bless you if you do.  To do nothing will bring His displeasure.