Proverbs 14:31
I
am not sure that everyone will like today’s proverb. It makes a direct
connection between our attitude toward the poor and our attitude toward God. This
could get dangerous!
If
we oppress the poor we show contempt for the LORD. Oppression is a pretty
strong term. Oppression does not happen with a single word. Insult might, but
not oppression. Oppression implies a real harm that is done to the one being
oppressed. It is more than hurt feelings. It is more than a look.
We
hear so much today about one group feeling oppressed by another. Some of that oppression
is real, and the effect can be measured. Some of it is hurt feelings. I am not
saying that hurt feelings don’t matter, but simply that hurt feelings are not
necessarily oppression.
One
more thing I want to point out in this proverb. This proverb is talking about
an individual oppressing the poor, not about a group action. We are responsible
for our attitudes and actions. We are responsible for us. We aren’t responsible
for their response or for the actions of others. If we oppress we are not
recognizing the value that the LORD places in them as His creatures, made in
His image.
There
is good news in the proverb as well. If we are kind, we act toward them in a
manner that honors the LORD’s ownership of us, then our kindness brings honor
to the LORD. Our actions can either honor or dishonor the LORD. What we do in
relationship to other people, and specifically in relationship to the poor, can
be an act of worship.
People
are watching us to see what we do. They are looking to see if our words match
our actions. Are we consistent? When we are, we reflect His character. That is, of course, if we are kind to the poor. We might
be consistently disregarding the poor in our daily lives. We might be actively
unkind toward them. That would not be in line with God’s character. Consistency
in any direction is not the goal. Consistency in kindness toward the poor is
the goal.