(Prov 22:16 GW) Oppressing the poor for profit or giving to the rich certainly leads to poverty.
This morning we continue our series, “Unlocking the Power of Proverbs – Walking in the Wisdom of God.” Solomon once again talks about money, but this time he takes it a step further and deals with our motives. Some men, with impure motives, seek to take advantage of the poor. Now, while you should never attempt to take advantage of anyone, why would you take advantage of someone who is already struggling to make ends-meet? Make no mistake, the Lord will release His anger against those who take advantage of the poor.
The poor have a special place in God’s heart. Solomon’s father David, said, “Blessed is he that considers the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble” (Psalm 41:1). Asaph, the psalmist, told us to, “Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people” (Psalm 82:3,4). Jeremiah said, “This is GOD’s Message: Attend to matters of justice. Set things right between people. Rescue victims from their exploiters. Don’t take advantage of the homeless, the orphans, the widows.” (Jer 22:3). Zechariah said, “Treat one another justly. Love your neighbors. Be compassionate with each other. Don’t take advantage of widows, orphans, visitors, and the poor. Don’t plot and scheme against one another – that’s evil” (Zec 7:9,10). And believe me, there are more. Solomon was extremely rich and he is letting us know that those who seek to take advantage of the poor will wind up poor themselves.
Solomon then explains how some attempt to bribe the rich; using their money to gain an unfair advantage over others. I am sure Solomon had his fair share of people who attempted to persuade him with money. But Solomon lumps these people in the same category with the oppressors of the poor. The bottom line is: they will both wind up poor, because their heart is not right concerning their finances.
So what does this mean to you today? It means that we are merely stewards of everything the Lord blesses to pass through our hands. We should acknowledge the fact that we are blessed to have whatever we have and we should seek to BE a blessing with it. I will close with the words of David. As king David led the nation of Israel in giving gifts unto God during a time of worship he said, “But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to You? Everything we have has come from You, and we give You only what You first gave us! We are here for only a moment, visitors and strangers in the land as our ancestors were before us. Our days on earth are like a passing shadow, gone so soon without a trace. “O LORD our God, even this material we have gathered to build a Temple to honor Your holy name comes from You! It all belongs to You!” (1st Chron 29:14-16).
Closing Confession: Father, I sincerely thank You for blessing me to oversee all that You have allowed me to come in possession of. I declare, by faith, that I will be a faithful steward, today and every day. I will never take advantage of the poor. I seek to be a blessing, not a curse. I am here to give to, not to take from, the less fortunate. And I will never seek to use what I have to buy my way into favor with anyone. You give me favor with those that I need favor with, and Your favor far exceeds anything that money can buy. Your grace is on my life to succeed and I will never jeopardize losing Your grace or Your favor for a quick buck. You mean more to me than money every could. Money is my servant, You are my Master! I declare this by faith! In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
