(Prov 22:22,23 NIV) Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who plunder them.
This morning we continue our series, “Unlocking the Power of Proverbs – Walking in the Wisdom of God.” This is the 2nd Saying: an Admonition on Care for the Poor. In scripture, the poor are often mentioned with widows, orphans, and foreigners. The poor were obviously vulnerable due to their lack of finances and in Solomon’s day, like today, financial stability provided a level of security that those without it simply did not enjoy. The widows were vulnerable because women were not equals in society and a woman without a husband or male children found it difficult to maneuver her way through a male-dominated environment. The orphans were vulnerable because they lost their parents and children can obviously not fend for themselves. Lastly, the foreigners, or what the Bible often calls “the strangers at the gate” were vulnerable because they were traveling through unknown and often dangerous lands. These four categories of people, all vulnerable in their own ways, presented an opportunity for the unscrupulous. Those who wanted to take advantage of the vulnerable would obviously target these people because they were seemingly defenseless.
While there are many predators in the world, who target the less fortunate, this should never be said of the believer. Our goal, as followers of Jesus the Christ, must be to walk in love with all men. Paul said, “Whenever we have the opportunity, we have to do what is good for everyone, especially for the family of believers” (Gal 6:10). Zechariah said, “Treat one another justly. Love your neighbors. Be compassionate with each other.” Simply put, we should not be like those who are seeking to take advantage of others. Conversely, we should seek for ways TO BE a blessing, not a curse; to help and not to hurt; to promote and not to disadvantage. Zechariah went on to say, “Don’t take advantage of widows, orphans, visitors, and the poor. Don’t plot and scheme against one another – that’s evil” (see Zec 7:9,10). The last two words Zechariah used sum it all up, “That’s evil.” Bottom-line, that’s just not the way we are to live.
Solomon explains that the unscrupulous take advantage of the poor “because they are poor.” In other words, these people are seeking to take advantage of the vulnerable BECAUSE they are vulnerable. This underscores the wickedness of their hearts. Not only are their actions wrong, but their motives are doubly wrong. And make no mistake, the Lord will step in and protect those who cannot protect themselves. Those without human advocates will have Jehovah Himself as their advocate and protector.
So what does this mean to you today? It means that God Himself will defend those who cannot defend themselves. So never seek to take advantage of those at the bottom of the social ladder, without power, recourse, or advocacy. Don’t allow yourself to be tempted to do someone wrong because he or she is helpless. As a matter of fact, you should never seek to do anyone wrong. As a believer and follower of Jesus you must be committed to walking in love every day and everyone. God’s love and light, shining through us, are the only way that we are going to make the impact the Father wants us to make in the earth. God wants to work through you, will you let Him? Will you allow His love and light to permeate through you so that the world may know that after 2,000 years, Jesus is STILL the answer?
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for Your love. Your love and light changed me from the inside out. Your love softened the hardness of my heart. Your light allowed me to see my way out of the utter darkness I was fumbling my way through life in. My prayer now is that You use me to share Your love and Your light with others. I never seek to take advantage of anyone, especially those who are seemingly helpless. My goal is to help and not to hurt, to bless and not to curse, to promote and not to disadvantage. Use me today and every day TO BE a blessing to others. I surrender myself for Your use. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
