Proverbs – Day 22
Scripture: Proverbs 22
A good name is more desirable than great riches;
to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
Rich and poor have this in common:
The Lord is the Maker of them all.
The prudent see danger and take refuge,
but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
Humility is the fear of the Lord;
its wages are riches and honor and life.
In the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls,
but those who would preserve their life stay far from them.
Start children off on the way they should go,
and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
The rich rule over the poor,
and the borrower is slave to the lender.
Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity,
and the rod they wield in fury will be broken.
The generous will themselves be blessed,
for they share their food with the poor.
Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife;
quarrels and insults are ended.
One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace
will have the king for a friend.
The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge,
but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.
The sluggard says, “There’s a lion outside!
I’ll be killed in the public square!”
The mouth of an adulterous woman is a deep pit;
a man who is under the Lord’s wrath falls into it.
Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,
but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.
One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth
and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.
Saying 1
Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise;
apply your heart to what I teach,
for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart
and have all of them ready on your lips.
So that your trust may be in the Lord,
I teach you today, even you.
Have I not written thirty sayings for you,
sayings of counsel and knowledge,
teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth,
so that you bring back truthful reports
to those you serve?
Saying 2
Do not exploit the poor because they are poor
and do not crush the needy in court,
for the Lord will take up their case
and will exact life for life.
Saying 3
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person,
do not associate with one easily angered,
or you may learn their ways
and get yourself ensnared.
Saying 4
Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge
or puts up security for debts;
if you lack the means to pay,
your very bed will be snatched from under you.
Saying 5
Do not move an ancient boundary stone
set up by your ancestors.
Saying 6
Do you see someone skilled in their work?
They will serve before kings;
they will not serve before officials of low rank.
Devotional:
The U.S. Census in 2023 found that 36.8 million Americans – one in seven – live below the poverty line which is $15,650 per year.
It’s little surprise that Solomon would rally for the less-fortunate. “Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who plunder them. (v. 22-23) Like it or not, money makes things happen in this world. Without it, not only are basic needs like food and shelter jeopardized, but these individuals are at risk for being taken advantage of. Loan sharks, unscrupulous medical researchers, and human trafficking are just recent examples showing how the poor are preyed on by the rich.
This is hardly a new phenomenon, though. In the earliest days of the nation of Israel, we find evidence of the poor. “There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.” (Deut 15:11) 1400 years later, Jesus repeats that “The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me.” (Matt 26:11)
So what can we do? We can advocate for those less fortunate, especially if we’re in a position of power like Solomon and his sons were (Prov 31:8-9). We can also be generous! (See The Journey: Proverbs 11) Long before Jesus, Solomon saw the connection between serving the poor and serving God. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.” (Prov 19:17) “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” (Prov 14:31) Show kindness to someone less fortunate and care for someone God cherishes.
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (Matt 25:37-40)
Key Verses:
“Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who plunder them.” ~ Proverbs 22:22-23
Questions:
- How do you respond when you see someone less fortunate?
- What can you do to advocate for or be generous toward someone in need?
