I had the honor of leading a team commissioned to research and launch a holistic ministry to the poor in our community. It took us about one meeting to begin unpeeling the layers of complexity revolving around this issue, and I often demonstrated leadership by scratching my head.

A year later we launched. Another sixteen months later, I am still scratching my head quite often. We have learned a ton. We are doing so much better. But it’s still tough.

The issue of poverty can be so divisive. Some are poor and bitter. Others are wealthy and greedy. And still others are jaded or overwhelmed. Thankfully, we do not have to navigate this issue on our own. The book of Proverbs has loads of wisdom.

4 ungodly responses to poverty:

1.  It is not my responsibility to help the person in need. 

God has some sharp words for those who do not care for the poor.

“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” (Proverbs 22:22-23).

“Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God” (Proverbs 14:31; Also see Proverbs 21:13; 22:22-23; 14:21; 14:31; 29:7; 19:17; 31:9; Matthew 25).

It’s a matter of justice. Biblical justice says that all people are created in the image of God. The annoying neighbor, the weathly on Wall Street and the trafficked boy.

Biblical Justice cannot be separated from compassion.

2.  It is not my responsibility to be wise in helping the person in need.  

If we look closely, we find a tension in Proverbs.

“Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe. A kindhearted woman gains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth. Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves” (Proverbs 11:15-17).

We do not have to choose between compassion and wisdom.

The organizations and churches most effective in really helping the poor long term do not just toss food out of the back of a truck. There are times for this, but this approach, over time, rips two things away from people: Dignity & responsibility.

It feels good to give. But if we give in order to feel good, rather than to really help, isn’t that selfish? If our safety net only entangles people from climbing out, are we really demonstrating love?

I believe it’s a lazy, cop-out to be in the habit of saying, “Well, God will judge them if they misuse it.” We can never guarantee anything when trying to help someone, but we can certainly exercise great wisdom before we do.

3.  It is not my responsibility to work diligently. 

I don’t know about you, but I’d rather not be compared to a slug.

“A sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth” (Proverbs 19:24).

“Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense” (Proverbs 12:11).

Our whole culture chases fantasies instead of wisdom. It’s why the casinos are designed to make people feel like movie stars when they enter…it feeds fantasies.

Dreams and goals require hard work, but fantasies are for the sluggards.

(See also Proverbs 6:6:10-11; 10:4-5; 12:11; 13:11-18; 19:24; 20:4; 20:13; 21:5-6; 21:17-26; 22:13-21; II Thessalonians 3:10.)

4.  It is not my responsibility to give credit to God. 

The danger with success is the belief that we earned it all on our own.

“Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God” (Proverbs 30:8-9).

All gifts are from God. The ability to work, think and praise comes from him.

I’m thankful for the infinite help on this subject that we receive from God. I’m lost without it.

*A sermon addressing this topic will be posted by the afternoon of August 26th.

*I referenced Project Elf in my sermon. Here is their story.