Poor and rich

DEVOTION

PROVERBS

POOR AND RICH

Prov 18:23

23 A poor man pleads for mercy, but a rich man answers harshly.

NIV

It certainly is true in most cases those who are poor show a certain among of humility. The poor in some cases are reduced to begging, asking for help to survive the seemingly cruelties life has brought them. It would be an extreme example to find a poor man filled with pride. It might be said that a poor person is dependent on those who are not poor. In our society it seems the Federal Government, as of late, has perpetuated the poor to be even more dependent upon it for everything. This takes away any self-sufficiency and dignity a person might have. Although this seems to be a sad state of affairs in society, it is the only way to live in the kingdom of God. In the eyes of God we all are poor and need to look to him for all aspects of life. We have nothing that can offer us eternal life, he has everything to offer us, both eternal life as well as supplying all our needs. The problem is we might think of ourselves as being rich. We might see our wealth as a source of meeting not only our needs, but our every desire. Although there are a few philanthropists who give to the poor, some of them give to the non-poor organizations who claim to assist the poor. Even then those who give to the poor are few and far between. The average man who has the mindset to accumulate enough wealth for himself and his later years gives very little, instead he gives a harsh answer. Although we have been accustom to judging and passing by those at intersections or off ramps with their signs pleading for assistance, how many of us actually give? Is our closed window similar to a harsh answer? What difference would a ten or twenty dollar bill be in our lives? The harsh answer of the rich also has an application in the kingdom of God. Those who think their wealth supplies them security, see no need to submit to God. They see no need for God, although there certainly are rich people who are believers. Yet in this proverb, Solomon may well be seeing their being more dependent on self then God. If we are not willing to give our wealth for the needs of others, are we more like the rich man then like Lazarus? What about the rich man who came to Jesus asking what must he do to inherit eternal life?

Mark 10:17-23

17 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 18 "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good — except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.'"  20 "Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy." 21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."  22 At this the man's face fell. He went away sad , because he had great wealth. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!" 

NIV

It might be said the rich give God a harsh answer, telling him no thanks, we have our wealth. This also reminds us that we cannot serve both God and money. The poor have no chance of that as they have no money, although they could certainly have the desire for it. The wealthy have to be very careful not to hoard their wealth, putting their trust in it. This also reminds us that we cannot out give God.

Luke 6:37-38

37 "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." 

NIV

So let us be both the poor and the rich. Poor, relying on God, and rich, giving, helping those in need. Sure, all are in need of salvation, all are in need of the gospel message, but the poor need food, while the rich enjoy their dinner. So then let us always be poor in our relationship with God, looking to him for all we have. Let us also be rich with the poor in material things, not keeping all our wealth for ourselves, but sharing, giving to those in need. Let us not judge them or the validity of their need, let us just give when the opportunity presents itself. No harsh answer. If we who are rich in material things give the poor a harsh answer, would we then expect to receive a harsh answer from God? Then we should see ourselves as both poor and rich, yet as believers.