June 1st~Lending to the Lord

Proverbs 17:1-19:29

We continued to read a vast section of Solomon’s proverbs, which included various topics. One topic that we have not addressed but which Solomon mentioned many times is that of caring for the poor. Here is a sample of what Solomon had to say about helping the down and out.

“It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor, but blessed are those who help the poor” (14:21).

“Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but helping the poor honors Him” (14:31).

“Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own times of need” (21:13).

“The rich and poor have this in common — the Lord made them both” (22:2).

“Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor” (22:9).

“Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed” (28:27).

“The godly care about the rights of the poor, but the wicked don’t care at all” (29:7).

Here is what we read today, “If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord, and He will repay you” (19:17). Throughout the Old and New Testaments, we see God’s desire for His people to help the poor. Jesus said that the poor would always be with us (Mark 14:7). He also said that those who minister to the poor, the sick, or the needy are, in essence, ministering to Him personally (Matthew 25:35-40). He also said that caring for the needy was a way to “store up treasures in heaven.” He rewards those who care and act.

Our Lord has a heart for the less fortunate, so also should His followers. We do not look down on them, but, instead, we view them as equals, made in God’s image. We do not despise or neglect them, but we freely and generously share with them what God has given us. We do not overlook them, as if they do not exist; rather we esteem them as individuals, weighing them not by their social status but by their character, with dignity and worth.

Daily Reflection

How do you view the poor, the sick, the needy? Are you guilty of overlooking them, neglecting them, or despising them?

You may be like me. I want to help people, I want to give to people, and I don’t want anyone to go without. However, what I don’t see regularly with my own eyes I do not think about regularly. The down and out are not a part of my daily life. What can you do to reach out to the poor when the poor are not in your immediate view?

You may have never considered helping the poor until today. You may not care to reach out to those in need. Solomon would describe you as “wicked,” for not caring at all (29:7). If this is the case, then the poor person is you.

BiAY.org | Day 152 — 213 Days to Go