Proverbs 22:2,7,9,16,22-23

² The rich and the poor have this in common:
the Lord is the maker of them all.
⁷ The rich rule over the poor,
and the borrower is the slave of the lender.

⁹ Those who are generous are blessed,
for they share their bread with the poor.

¹⁶ Oppressing the poor in order to enrich oneself,
and giving to the rich, will lead only to loss.

²² Do not rob the poor because they are poor
or crush the afflicted at the gate,
²³ for the Lord pleads their cause
and despoils of life those who despoil them.

It’s interesting how many references there are in this one chapter to “the poor.” In the Bible, wisdom literature and the prophetic writing focus much of their attention on how God’s people should treat the poor.

Here, just in Proverbs 22, we are warned against mistreating the poor (for the Lord is the Maker of all.) We are told that oppressing the poor will lead to our own loss. Threats can influence our own actions. But I also like some encouragement. As we are generous and share our bread with the poor, we are blessed. I have actually felt that – and I liked the feeling.

Prayer

God, help me to treat all whom I encounter as Your children. And show me the blessings that come in sharing how You have blessed me. Amen.