The term "exploited" refers to the act of taking unfair advantage of someone, often for personal gain or benefit. In the context of the Bible, exploitation is seen as a violation of God's commandments and a distortion of the justice and righteousness that He desires for His people. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that address the issue of exploitation, emphasizing God's concern for the oppressed and His call for justice.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the exploitation of individuals, particularly the poor and vulnerable, is explicitly condemned. The Law given to Israel includes numerous provisions to protect those who might be exploited. For example, in Leviticus 19:13, the Israelites are commanded, "You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand." This command underscores the importance of fair treatment and timely payment for labor, reflecting God's justice.

The prophets frequently spoke against the exploitation of the poor and needy. In Isaiah 10:1-2, the prophet declares, "Woe to those who enact unjust statutes and issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of justice and withhold the rights of the oppressed of My people, to make widows their prey and rob the fatherless." Here, exploitation is linked with systemic injustice, and God pronounces judgment on those who perpetuate such practices.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues to address the issue of exploitation, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus Himself spoke against the exploitation of the vulnerable, as seen in His rebuke of the religious leaders who "devour widows' houses" (Mark 12:40). This criticism highlights the exploitation of those who are defenseless and the misuse of authority for personal gain.

The apostle James also addresses exploitation in his epistle, warning against favoritism and the oppression of the poor. In James 5:4, he writes, "Look, the wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts." This passage emphasizes that God hears the cries of the exploited and will hold the oppressors accountable.

Biblical Principles Against Exploitation

Throughout the Bible, several key principles emerge regarding the treatment of others and the avoidance of exploitation:

1. Justice and Fairness: The Bible consistently calls for justice and fairness in all dealings. Proverbs 22:22-23 advises, "Do not rob a poor man because he is poor, and do not crush the afflicted at the gate, for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them."

2. Love and Compassion: Believers are called to love their neighbors as themselves (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:39). This love is incompatible with exploitation, as it seeks the well-being of others.

3. Protection of the Vulnerable: Scripture repeatedly emphasizes God's concern for the vulnerable, including widows, orphans, and foreigners. Deuteronomy 24:14-15 instructs, "Do not oppress a hired hand who is poor and needy, whether he is one of your brothers or a foreigner residing in one of your towns."

4. Accountability: The Bible assures that God will hold those who exploit others accountable. Ecclesiastes 5:8 reminds us, "If you see the oppression of the poor and the perversion of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be astonished at the matter. For one official watches over another, and higher officials are over them."

Conclusion

The biblical narrative consistently condemns exploitation and calls for justice, fairness, and compassion in all human interactions. Believers are encouraged to reflect God's character by advocating for the oppressed and ensuring that their actions align with the principles of love and justice outlined in Scripture.

Introduction
... it began to assume formidable proportions, as it became connected with a ramified
movement of thought in Egypt, Asia, and Syria, which exploited the revival of ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/introduction 4.htm

The Middle Colonies: the Jerseys, Delaware, and Pennsylvania --The ...
... after the futile insurrection of Monmouth, furnished a motive for emigration to
the best people in North Britain, which was quickly seized and exploited by the ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter ix the middle colonies .htm

The Boys' Department in the Sunday School
... Organization. Successful organization is the result of experiment. None but
the result of experiment has a right to be exploited. Sunday ...
/.../alexander/the boy and the sunday school/xi the boys department in.htm

The New Testament Has Preserved for us the Most Valuable Portion ...
... Iren??us complain of the difficulties which they contain, indeed they presented a
thousand stumbling-blocks to the orthodox teacher, and were exploited in a ...
/.../harnack/the origin of the new testament/ 4 the new testament.htm

Joshua Kocherthal.
... Mohawk Valley."The immigrants had been promised prosperity; but the English officials
were actuated by selfish motives and shamefully exploited the colonists ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bente/american lutheranism/joshua kocherthal.htm

Slavery of Redemptioners.
... decade of the nineteenth century. Quakers and other "friends of liberty and
humanity" exploited the system. Foremost among those who ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bente/american lutheranism/slavery of redemptioners.htm

The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Last Controversies and ...
... attached less authority, but demanded proof from that clear and precise letter of
the Law, every tittle and iota of which the Pharisees exploited for their ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iv the third day.htm

Introduction
... occurring late in 1322; and its compiler knew Ugolino personally and probably utilized
other writings of Ugolino, which the latter had not exploited in the ...
/.../ugolino/the little flowers of st francis of assisi/introduction.htm

The Papal Power in the Church
... England under Henry III was so much exploited by its papal guardian as to gain the
name of the "Milch-cow of the Papacy"; but there were many protests. ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter x the papal power.htm

The King James Version as English Literature
... It is always regrettable when men with literary skill are available for the description
of a ball game, or are exploited as worthy writers about a prize-fight. ...
/.../mcafee/study of the king james bible/lecture iii the king james.htm

Exploited (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Exploited (1 Occurrence). 2 Corinthians 7:2 Open
your hearts to us. We wronged no one. We corrupted no one. ...
/e/exploited.htm - 6k

Exploit (4 Occurrences)

/e/exploit.htm - 8k

Exploiting (1 Occurrence)

/e/exploiting.htm - 6k

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