My title for this devotion is Concern vs Aloofness.
Proverbs has many ideas and themes running through it. It is a collection of sayings. I recently journaled about the stream of verses dealing with speech. Another theme, which hit me as I read Chapter 22, was the concern about rich man/poor man and its impact upon daily life.
It actually started yesterday when I read Proverbs 21:3- “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” That sounds strangely familiar to Micah 6:8- “What does the Lord require of you but to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.”
Then as I read chapter 22 more verses emerged:
“The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the maker of them all.” (v.2)
“The rich rules over the poor; and the borrower is slave to the lender. Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity…” (vv.7-8a)
“Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.” (v.16)
“Do not rob the poor because he is poor…” (v.22)
The mistreatment of the poor has taken place since time immemorial. That’s no excuse. It was addressed by Paul in I Corinthians 11 concerning the observance of the Lord’s Supper and the “haves” eating and taking advantage of the “have not’s.” And I’m certainly not wading into the whole immigration issue here. What I am saying is oppression of the poor is spoken against. Condemned.
Micah 6:8 is very clear. Proverbs 21:3 is also very clear. I am to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. To do that is much more important than all the “religious things” I do. They are worthless if I don’t treat others as Jesus would. The question comes down to concern vs. aloofness.
“Father, is there concern for others or is there an aloofness I have developed? Do I show the love of Jesus to those who are less fortunate than me or do I turn my back and walk away? Help me to have the heart of Jesus for all people.”
Great post, Bill. We cannot be reminded enough. Great devotional this morning!
Thank you Diane. Your comment is much appreciated.
Oppression is wrong regardless. To push someone down for the benefit of one’s own gain is despicable.
Be kind, show love, if you see a need and have the capacity to meet that need… meet it.
There are avenues to doing that safely and in a way that minimizes the risk of being taken advantage of.
Oppression is the right word. Finding that line of helping vs not being taken advantage of is important and sometimes difficult. Thanks for the comment.
Micah 6:8 is my life verse, Bill. I pray I live it out through all my days, and never distance myself from the needs of others.
Blessings!
The heart of God in us should never see the less fortunate with anything less than compassion.
The people, including the health and wealth preacher’s, that take advantage of those less fortunate are in a place far more dangerous than they can imagine. I think.