“The poor man is hated even by his own neighbor…” (Proverbs 14:20).
There is no virtue in poverty, nor is there inherent shame in having little or nothing more than food and covering. Jesus had nowhere to lay His head (Luke 9:58), and all of His worldly possessions were divided among four soldiers on the day of His death (John 19:23).
According to Jesus, every generation will have poor people (John 12:8); therefore, it is prudent to know the following facts about poverty:
- Poor people have the same Maker as the rest of humanity (Prov. 22:2; 29:13).
- Some people are poor because of their own excesses (Prov. 21:17).
- Some people are poor because of their own laziness (Prov. 10:4).
- Some people are poor because of injustice and corrupt, oppressive civil authorities (Prov. 13:23).
- Poor people are not popular (Prov. 14:20; 19:7) and have very few friends (Prov. 19:4).
- Poor people have few friends and family members who will help them (Prov. 19:7).
- Wicked people prey upon and exploit the poor (Prov. 30:14).
- Poor people with integrity are better than foolish people who are perverse in their speech (Prov. 19:1; 28:6).
- It is better to be poor than a liar (Prov. 19:22).
- Mocking the poor reproaches God (Prov. 17:5).
- Turning a deaf ear and a blind eye to the poor will be justly punished (Prov. 21:13).
- Mistreating the poor results in divine retribution (Prov. 22:22-23).
- Being compassionate, merciful, and generous to the poor honors God (Prov. 14:21, 31; 22:9).
- Having pity upon the poor is of great significance to God (Prov. 19:17; 28:27).
- Righteous behavior includes advocating for the poor and needy (Prov. 31:9).
