APPROPRIATE GIVING

Proverbs 18:23

The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.

This proverb is a sad expression of the inhumanity of man. We witness the roughness of the rich against the poor in politics and business dealings. Domestically, everyday we hear of working folks loosing their jobs, then their homes due to foreclosure. Internationally , due to the financial manipulations of richer countries, most of the world lives in poverty. Since ancient times, the upper class has always lived their affluent lifestyles though the work of the laboring class. Things have not changed very much.

In reading this proverb, the poor and the working man find the meager consolation that when a rich man insults him, nothing unusual occurs. The poor man may also remember that a warning stands for the rich who divested himself of humanity by mammon; against him, as Isaiah said, who grindeth the poor by hard stubborn-hearted conduct, and grindeth his bashful face (Isaiah 3:15). The master said that in that Day when the books are opened, only the merciful will obtain mercy. Yeshua told of Lazarus who had lived a poor life on earth that now he could rest in the bosom of Abraham, while the other who had lived his comfort on earth, needed to go through the fires of need and poverty.

We must also make a note on the proper way of giving, of merciful giving. Many who are involved in philanthropic activities have no concern whatsoever for the poor. Their generosity is only motivated by a need for personal promotion and free publicity. These individuals and companies would not give anonymously because their whole idea is of advertisement. That is also grinding the face of the poor, using the misfortune of others the make a profit for oneself as much as the person who lends to his bankrupt brother with interest.

The poor may certainly benefit from the action, but in the eyes of God, the virtues and heavenly rewards of any good deed are cancelled out when they are done in order to receive a benefit. In fact, the virtues and heavenly rewards of any obedience to any of God’s commandments are cancelled out when done with personal motivation. Even King David said, I will not give unto Adonai of that which has cost me nothing.

Let us therefore today remember this warning against the hard-hearted who answers roughly to the poor either verbally, or by taking advantage of him.

Let us offend neither in words nor in deeds.