“The poor man is hated even by his neighbor, But those who love the rich are many. 21He who despises his neighbor sins [against God and his fellow man], But happy [blessed and favored by God] is he who is gracious and merciful to the poor.”

Proverbs 14:20-21 AMP

Today we look at two verses that are linked together. The Scripture reminds us that we should be grateful for the blessings of the Lord and not judgmental against those that are not as successful as we! We are dealing today with the attitude of the rich toward the poor. The word poor here is the Hebrew word meaning, “pertaining to physical poverty: implying low social status and even contemptibleness of social class.” The verse goes on to state that he is “hated even by his neighbor.” There are many reasons that a person of family may find themselves in difficulty. Medical bills that have wiped out savings. Not having a job that pays enough to sustain the basics of life. A physical disability that may render a person unable to contribute to the normal flow of work. Of course, we know that there are many today that simply too lazy to work! They are the ones that bring distain and feelings of hate toward those who are truly in need of assistance. Remember Proverbs 10?

“The LORD will not allow the righteous to hunger [God will meet all his needs], But He will reject and cast away the craving of the wicked. 4Poor is he who works with a negligent and idle hand, But the hand of the diligent makes him rich. 5He who gathers during summer and takes advantage of his opportunities is a son who acts wisely, But he who sleeps during harvest and ignores the moment of opportunity is a son who acts shamefully.”

Proverbs 10:3-5 AMP

Verse 21 tells us that those who “despise his neighbor sins against God” are in the wrong! The word here “despise means, “to have contempt for another, which may manifest itself as an act of, but only possibly a verbal remark^.” They consider it a “sin” to be poor nut not to be “rich.” Think about that next time you see a homeless person and all those negative thoughts go through your mind! We don’t generally think we are offending God as “they really should get a job!” While we are not called to reward idleness, we are called to pray and act to help them get their act together if possible! Many times, we think the issue is about giving away money. I must admit I am more likely to meet the need rather than give cash. The verse tells us though that we need to have mercy on them! The word mercy here means, “to be gracious, take pity, be kind, show and act of kindness, compassion, or benefice to another; Moved to pity and action.” Remember the days before you received mercy from God?

“Have mercy on me and be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am weak (faint, frail); Heal me, O LORD, for my bones are dismayed and anguished. 3My soul [as well as my body] is greatly dismayed. But as for You, O LORD–how long [until You act on my behalf]? 4Return, O LORD, rescue my soul; Save me because of Your [unfailing] steadfast love and mercy.

Psalms 6:2-4 AMP

God blessed us when mercy came running to our lives and took our sin and set us free. Interestingly the word “happy” in our verse is the word meaning blessed! How much more shall we who were blessed now bless others! That can take the form of money sure! It can also be time spent with the wayward teenager who is on the wrong path of life. If can be that ride you give your elderly neighbor so they can get to the grocery store. It can even be the prays you offer in sincerity for those who are lost. I must admit I’m a James kind of guy! 

“What is the benefit, my fellow believers, if someone claims to have faith but has no [good] works [as evidence]? Can that [kind of] faith save him? [No, a mere claim of faith is not sufficient–genuine faith produces good works.] 15If a brother or sister is without [adequate] clothing and lacks [enough] food for each day, 16and one of you says to them, “Go in peace [with my blessing], [keep] warm and feed yourselves,” but he does not give them the necessities for the body, what good does that do? 17So too, faith, if it does not have works [to back it up], is by itself dead [inoperative and ineffective].” James 2:14-17 AMP

Do you desire the blessings of God in your life today? Be merciful! Never forget that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us! Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken