Thinking of the Poor

For those of you new to Free Money Finance, I post on The Bible and Money every Sunday. Here's why.

Recently, I've been thinking a lot about Proverbs 19:17:

He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.

Of course, we've always had poor people in the world, but for some reason the current economic crisis has elevated their plight in my mind. Maybe it's because there's more talk of people who are "poor" because they are out of work, have lost a lot in the stock and housing markets, etc. Then again, the poor in America are richer than 90%+ of the people on earth, so a little perspective is needed as well.

That said, we've shifted the charities we support to give more money to those feeling an economic pinch these days. In particular, we like to focus on helping the homeless. Our favorite local charity that addresses the basic needs of the poor in our city is Mel Trotter Ministries. We've been pleased to get their updates and hear what they're doing in these tough times to help out those that are especially hard hit. I'd like to encourage you to check out a similar organization in your community (or even one that has an international impact) and give them an extra donation this month.

Remember, if you are kind to the poor, then you're lending to the Lord. And He WILL reward you for what you have done. Very compelling promise, wouldn't you say?

Comments

[Terry]

Poor men in this country traditionally have been considered unmarriageable; unsurprisingly they have a low marriage rate.

Now how "rich" are they really?

[StL Pastor]

Preached this morning on Luke 14-the great Banquet text, where the poor are welcomed because those with property are too busy to accept the invitation of God.

It is another one of those 'uncomfortable teachings about the poor' the run throughout the Bible.

[Norma]

God is so good...

[Mommy Reporter]

Thanks again for posting such a powerful message. We all need to be reminded sometimes of just how fortunate we really are.

[john78]

I've followed your site for quite some time and really admire the effort you put into it... Still, I have to wonder... isn't there an inherent contradiction in writing a financial blog about "growing your net worth" at the same time you're saying the poor are richer than 90% of people on earth? Really? Then why isn't your blog about giving away wealth and becoming richer in spirit? Again, I love your site but that comment struck me as one of those patronizing things people say once they've found material wealth along with their God...

Also, how is it powerful to help because we expect to be rewarded? Isn't that inherently selfish? That's like giving to charities and taking off the deduction on your taxes... and then expecting to be blessed for it. Wouldn't an all-powerful God see beyond such self-interest?

Thanks

[FMF]

John78 --

It all works together. I must admit, it's a difficult balance and can seem contradictory, but here's my take on the wealth versus giving combination:

*Spend significantly less than you earn
*Save and invest a portion of the difference
*Have no/little debt
*Give a good portion away

This is what I do and what I've been advocating here for over four years. At this point, I have 166 posts on giving and it's always been a part of this blog.

As far as giving it all away, I'm not a proponent of either material excess -- either accumulating untold fortunes or giving everything away so that you live in poverty as well. That's why you see more of the middle-of-the-road approach here.

As far as eternal rewards, I must admit that the concept seems unusual. But if you study the issue and see what the Bible says about it, it seems pretty clear to me that there are eternal rewards for good works (giving among them.) I'm not the one who wrote the book -- I'm just trying to follow what it says. ;-)