Perspectives on the Poor

Read Proverbs 19.

Wealth can attract the attention of many so-called friends.  But when the money disappears, one discovers who their true friends are.  Then, what about those who never had much?  Judging the poor strictly on their financial status may well lead to a wrong conclusion.

In this chapter, the LORD provides four principles of His perspective on the poor.
1. Character. (v.1)
Here is the contrast.  Which is better: to have no money yet live and do what is right, or to have money yet speak and behave as a fool?  Character has nothing to do with one's bank account.  It has everything to do with who a person is on the inside. Even without resources, a poor person may stand tall in their integrity.

2. Connections. (vv.6-7)
A wealthy person can be surrounded by people and highly connected with others.  Most of them wanting something from them.  But when one has nothing materially to give, it can be lonely, even treated with disdain.  One of the beautiful features of a good local church is its diversity.  Regardless of one's background, race, or financial status, all stand on level ground at the foot of the cross and sit together in worship and learning to apply the Scriptures.  

3. Charity. (v.17)
Giving to the poor is not a mater of providing money but resources.  This is the mistake of most of the government's efforts.  Wealth redistribution is not helpful to either the wealthy or the poor.  Certainly, there must be provisions of care and compassion for immediate needs.  Counseling and job training with work opportunities are essential to helping people get out of poverty.  The truly poor should be helped in a dignified way that leads them to support themselves.  While a church can provide friendship and spiritual help, the practical resources are usually available through some fine local organizations.

4. Consistency. (v.22)
Everyone desires love, not sometimes, but faithfully.  If the poor is truly to be helped, it cannot be a hit and miss operation but a consistent act of love for them.  To say we love and not support it with actions is falsehood.  This verse states that being poor is better than that.