Proverbs 14:21 (ESV)
Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner,
but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.
The above proverb is packaged, in chapter 14, within three other proverbs that discuss how we should interact and treat the poor (Proverbs 14:20-23). In Solomon's day there were many poor and he was very much concerned with how they were treated. Their treatment was the extension of the heart of others. Note what the NIV highlights about this proverb:
Sharing food (22:9), lending money (28:8) and defending rights (31:9) are ways one can show kindness. Such a person “honors God” (v. 31; cf. 17:5) and “will lack nothing”. So, the above proverb gives us one more insight.
It is not enough that we do good for those of low estate but that we also should make sure their status is not despised in our hearts. Notice the contrast between the first and the second line. One can "despise" the poor and one can be "gracious" to the poor. To do the former is to sin and to do the latter is to add a since of "happy" to one's life. The Hebrew word used here for "happy" is what it means to be blessed by one of high degree on the one of low degree. Note the irony of the proverb. When we who are better off (high degree) extend grace to the one who is poor (low degree) than we can be assured that God (high degree) will bless us (low degree). The is the principle of proportionate grace. With the same measure we measure other it will be measured to us. Note what Christ will tell us later in the Sermon on the Mount"
Matthew 7:1-2 (NASBStr)
“ Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.
God is concerned at how we interact with others, especially those of low degree. The poor are here for Him to care for through us. Let us make sure we neither despise them or neglect them.
No comments:
Post a Comment