The one who oppresses the poor to increase his own gain, and the one who gives to the rich—both end in poverty. Proverbs 22:16, TLV
Is Our End Poverty? This may be a blink* proverb to some. It was for me. But over time our Heavenly Father gave me a little nudge to look closer, and, lo and behold, yes, there was something there for me. I’m hoping you’ll glean some tidbits, too.
Today’s proverb describes two types of people:
- Those who oppress the poor.
- Those who give to the rich.
The first type could be rich or poor. The second type seems to be folks who aren’t rich, yet they’re giving their hard-earned resources to them. Both of these souls will end up in poverty. Why?
My Journey
Here’s where Father took me. While I’m sure there are real examples of folks taking and giving funds, He led me to a different type of resource. A resource that is more personal: my time and motivation.
I have written about friendships and how we tend to
seek out certain characteristics for our friends. However, many times those characteristics can be hidden in packages that aren’t as attractive as we would prefer. Do we judge the package and not what’s inside?
I believe this proverb confirms that theme. By withholding our time from the poor, we judge the character of that person without ever investing in getting to know them. We oppress them with our criticism and judgments.
If these are people of integrity, we have lost out on the richness of a lasting, wholesome friendship. We are poorer because of that loss.
Likewise, because we may want to have rich friends for a whole bucket full of selfish reasons, we can invest too much of ourselves into pursuing their friendship.
If these are people of integrity, eventually they will discern our motives and keep their distance. If they aren’t people of integrity, they’ll use us until we’re spent.
Yes. I know both scenarios by personal experience.
Living Proverbs
Living Proverbs means we dig deeper into our motivations and how we invest the wondrous gift of time. Do we use that time to be critical and judgmental or greedy and self-serving? Then we need to readjust our attitudes and motives and not show favoritism.
Yeshua’s half-brother James (Jacob) had much to say about this in James 2:1-13. This verse, especially brought home today’s proverb to me:
“My brothers and sisters, do not hold the faith of our glorious Lord Yeshua the Messiah while showing favoritism.” James 2:1, TLV
“Do not hold the faith…” That’s actually a little scary, don’t you think? We want our faith to flow freely in God’s Kingdom, right? That we may live in spiritual abundance and not spiritual poverty.
Think More About It
Have you ever dealt with spiritual poverty in your relationships? How have you resolved that dilemma?
Until tomorrow, may we examine and adjust our attitudes and motivations, my friends.
For the needy will not forever be forgotten,
nor the hope of the poor perish forever.
Arise, ADONAI [LORD], do not let man triumph.
Let the nations be judged before You. Psalms 9:19-20, TLV
Another reminder and beautiful petition to lay before God’s throne. Can I get an “Amen!”? God bless you and Chag Semeach!
*A “blink” verse or passage are Bible verses that we tend to blink past. Either not really reading or because it’s confusing, we ignore it and more on. Thanks to Dr. Raleigh Washington (co-creator of Promise Keepers and Road to Jerusalem) for coining this term.
