Topical Bible: Contempt: Forbidden Towards: The Poor

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In the biblical narrative, the treatment of the poor is a significant theme, with numerous passages emphasizing the importance of compassion, justice, and respect towards those in poverty. The Bible explicitly forbids contempt towards the poor, urging believers to uphold the dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of their economic status.

Old Testament Teachings

The Old Testament lays a strong foundation for the respectful treatment of the poor. In the Law given to Moses, God commands the Israelites to care for the needy and to avoid any form of oppression or contempt. Leviticus 19:15 states, "You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly." This verse underscores the principle of impartiality, highlighting that justice should not be swayed by a person's economic condition.

Proverbs, a book rich in wisdom literature, also addresses the treatment of the poor. Proverbs 14:31 declares, "Whoever oppresses the poor taunts their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him." This verse connects the treatment of the poor directly to one's relationship with God, suggesting that contempt for the poor is an affront to the Creator Himself.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus Christ exemplifying and teaching compassion towards the poor. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus blesses the poor in spirit, indicating a special place for them in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3). His ministry often focused on uplifting the marginalized and addressing the needs of the impoverished.

James, the brother of Jesus, provides a direct admonition against showing contempt for the poor. In James 2:1-6 , he warns against favoritism, particularly in the context of worship gatherings: "My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you lavish attention on the man in fine clothes and say, 'Here is a seat of honor,' but say to the poor man, 'You must stand,' or, 'Sit at my feet,' have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?"

Theological Implications

The biblical mandate against contempt for the poor is rooted in the understanding that all humans are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This imago Dei doctrine affirms the inherent dignity and worth of every person, regardless of their social or economic status. The call to love one's neighbor as oneself (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:39) further reinforces the obligation to treat the poor with respect and kindness.

Practical Applications

Believers are encouraged to actively support and uplift the poor through acts of charity, advocacy, and justice. The early church set an example by sharing resources and ensuring that no member was in need (Acts 4:34-35). This communal care reflects the heart of God and serves as a model for contemporary Christian communities.

In summary, the Bible consistently forbids contempt towards the poor, urging believers to embody God's love and justice in their interactions with those in need. Through both Old and New Testament teachings, the Scriptures call for a compassionate and equitable approach to all individuals, reflecting the character of God and the values of His kingdom.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

James 2:1-3
My brothers, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

From the Fourth to the Seventh Commandment
... 365 Q. What is forbidden by the Fourth Commandment? A. The Fourth Commandment forbids
all disobedience, contempt, and stubbornness towards our parents or ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 33 from the fourth.htm

The Epistle of St. James
... desire, the imagination toying with a forbidden 15 idea ... to express malice (ver.21)
or contempt in words ... rich, which involved an unloving attitude towards the poor ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the epistle of st james.htm

The Counter-Reformation
... of many, who had nothing but contempt for their ... fault was his excessive partiality
towards his relatives ... the regulations by which they were forbidden to found ...
/.../chapter iv the counter-reformation.htm

Jesus Before Pilate.
... favour with the great by cruelty towards the defenceless, or ... pride of office, all
the Roman contempt and irritation ... the charge that He had forbidden the people ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/xix jesus before pilate.htm

Against Publishing the Errors of the Brethren.
... prayers exasperate God, by displaying contempt through their ... and supplicatest him
who had forbidden thee to ... and acting with drunken violence towards him, who ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/against publishing the errors of.htm

Jews and Gentiles in "The Land"
... But both united in their unbounded contempt of what ... all transactions with Gentiles
were forbidden, so as to ... neither direct nor indirect help towards their rites ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 2 jews and gentiles.htm

In the Last, the Great Day of the Feast'
... 15, the fruit of the forbidden tree), a ... systems, consciously or unconsciously tends
towards Christ, [4020 ... authority and their almost unutterable contempt of the ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vii in the last.htm

Letter ii (AD 1126) to the Monk Adam
... Thus, marriage is neither prescribed nor forbidden, but when it ... consent was not waited
for, a contempt which was ... therefore, was evil, which tended towards evil ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter ii a d 1126 to.htm

Letter ccxi. (AD 423. )
... some position in the world regard with contempt their sisters ... Though a passing glance
be directed towards any man ... you are walking you are not forbidden to see men ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter ccxi a d 423.htm

The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ...
... sanction and embodiment in that of God towards Israel; the ... would be a 'burden.' Women
were also forbidden to look in ... laid the Jew open to the contempt of both ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/i the women of the.htm