Food for the poor

An unplowed field produces food for the poor, but injustice sweeps it away.

Proverbs 13:23 (Bible.com)

A thought: People are tempted to look after themselves most of time. Israel had some laws in place to make sure landowners left some produce un-gathered for any destitute/needy passer-bys. To not leave something for others from our abundance, is an injustice that God will judge.

A prayer: Dear God, you have given me so much. Help me live rightly, generously, and not selfishly. My life is not my own. It belongs to Jesus. Amen.

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Proverbs 13:8 – Ransom for the Rich

A person’s riches may ransom their life, but the poor cannot respond to threatening rebukes.  – The Bible, Proverbs 13:8

Some places where else this is discussed:

2 Kings 24:14, 25:12 , Job 2:4  Proverbs 10:15

My thoughts:

 

Money makes the world go round, as another saying goes. So often people are after money in unscrupulous ways, seeking to gain from another’s wealth. Money can protect you from tragedy and many pains, as in this proverb. The first line talks of rich people having a line of defense with their wealth, even if it could make them a target! Nobody wants to be kidnapped for their money, nor does anyone want to lack funds when it’s most needed.

Different Bible versions translate the second line differently, as it is hard to clearly translate. In the NIV we are given the idea of the poor person suffering and not being able to defend themselves because of their poverty.

Greed for money can lead us to all sorts of evil deeds that involve hurting others. Let’s not give into such temptations and seek to protect others from perpetrators.

Thanks for reading! Pete.

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Thoughts or questions? Have your say in the comments section!

Photo Attribution: pedro veneroso Used under Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 2.0

Proverbs 13:7 – Monetary Deception

One person pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth. – The Bible, Proverbs 13:7

Some places where else this is discussed:

Prov. 12:9, 13:5 20:14

My thoughts:

Lots of people like to talk up their latest favourite purchases. Its part of the fun of buying stuff, including the fact that you had the money to splurge on it.

Yet the people mentioned in this proverb aren’t boasting about things they have, but are completely deceiving others about their wealth. The two types are rich people pretending to be poor and those with very little lying about being wealthy. We ought to be wary of deceptive people like this. In all likelihood the motivation is greed or high social standing. Who knows what other lies one might tell if guided by these desires.

We seem to feel compelled to help someone claiming to be desperate or feel drawn to associate with well-off people. Let’s be careful to not join in any such lies and likewise be careful to avoid being deceived.

Thanks for reading! Pete.

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Thoughts or questions? Have your say in the comments section!

Photo Attribution: Heather Used under Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 2.0