Jump Start # 421 

Proverbs 29:7 “The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor, the wicked does not understand such concern.” 

  The wicked and the righteous are a contrast that is found throughout the latter end of Proverbs. They are quite opposites—in thinking, in behavior and in what drives them. Our verse today is one such example.

  We must remember the times in which the Bible passages were written. It was not uncommon for the wealthy to take advantage of the poor. Oppression was common. The government was as bad as anyone. Justice could be bought for a price. The poor man, especially the righteous poor, suffered. They were victims. Especially, the poor widow. Without a husband to defend her, it was not uncommon for her to lose her home and land. Fairness, decency and what is right transcends cultures and time. The feudal lords of Europe, the massive invasions of Germany, or even today, when Libya kills it’s own citizens—the poor gets oppressed.

  In our verse today, the righteous is mindful of the poor. He is concerned. The wicked doesn’t even think about the poor. We find revealing here more than the care of the poor, we see that the righteous are compassionate and thoughtful of others and the wicked is selfish. Those ingredients haven’t changed with time either.

  The N.T. presents three pictures for us to look at:

• Mt 25—the judgment scene and the Lord says, He was hungry, thirsty, naked and in prison. The righteous did something to improve the condition. The wicked did nothing.
• James 2:14-15– someone without food or clothing is in need and brethren respond, ‘go in peace and be warmed and filled’ – without doing anything. James says that faith is dead.
• 1 John 3:17 “whoever has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?

  The righteous does something. The righteous has a faith that is compassionate toward others. I fear that too often we spin our wheel talking about what the church can or cannot do, while we do nothing or worse yet, we spend time talking theories and debating ideas and have turned our Lord’s religion into a thinking man’s religion and not a doing religion.

  Jesus was about action. Go and do the same are the words that follow the story of the good Samaritan. Go into all the world is what the apostles were told. Let us do good are the words of the apostle Paul. Titus was told to remind brethren to be zealous for good deeds. ACTION. We need to get out of our chairs and pews and connect, and help, and teach and be busy. The righteous man is concerned about the poor. The righteous man will do what he can.

  Some are poor in needs and they need help. Times are hard.

  Some are poor in emotions and they need a friend. Do you have room in your heart?

  Some are poor in spirit and they need Jesus. Can you share the message?

  The righteous is aware of the people around him. Are you? Do you notice the people you work with or live beside? Do you know what they are going through? Are you concerned about them? Could it be that God has placed you where you are to be his instrument. It requires getting involved, some don’t like that. It may cost you some, a lot don’t like that. But it’s worth it—especially, if one soul can find it’s way home to God.

  Pray that the Lord will open your eyes, even today, to see those who are hurting and needy, and give you the opportunity to make this day better for them.

Roger