Topical Bible: Contempt: The Wicked Exhibit Towards: The Poor

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In the biblical narrative, contempt towards the poor is a recurring theme that highlights the moral and spiritual deficiencies of the wicked. The Scriptures consistently portray such disdain as contrary to the character and commands of God, who is depicted as a defender of the poor and needy.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 14:21 · "He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who shows kindness to the poor." This verse underscores the sinfulness of contempt towards the poor, contrasting it with the blessing that comes from kindness and compassion.

2. Proverbs 17:5 · "He who mocks the poor insults their Maker; whoever gloats over calamity will not go unpunished." Here, the act of mocking the poor is equated with insulting God Himself, emphasizing the gravity of such contempt.

3. Job 31:16-23 · In this passage, Job defends his righteousness by asserting that he has not denied the desires of the poor or caused the eyes of the widow to fail. Job’s defense highlights the expectation of the righteous to care for the poor, contrasting with the behavior of the wicked.

4. Psalm 10:2 · "In pride the wicked pursue the needy; let them be caught in the schemes they devise." The psalmist describes the wicked as those who, in their arrogance, oppress the poor, revealing their lack of empathy and justice.

5. Isaiah 3:14-15 · "The LORD enters into judgment with the elders and leaders of His people: 'It is you who have devoured the vineyard; the plunder of the poor is in your houses. What do you mean by crushing My people and grinding the faces of the poor?' declares the Lord GOD of Hosts." This prophetic rebuke highlights the exploitation and oppression of the poor by those in power, a clear manifestation of contempt.

Theological Implications:

The contempt of the wicked towards the poor is not merely a social or economic issue but a profound spiritual failing. It reflects a heart that is hardened against the commands of God, who repeatedly calls His people to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him (Micah 6:8). The Scriptures reveal that God identifies closely with the poor and oppressed, and thus, contempt towards them is seen as a direct affront to Him.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:

From a moral standpoint, the Bible calls believers to a higher standard of conduct, one that mirrors the compassion and justice of God. The righteous are called to defend the cause of the poor, to provide for their needs, and to treat them with dignity and respect. The wicked, in their contempt, fail to recognize the inherent worth and image of God in every individual, regardless of their socio-economic status.

Practical Application:

Believers are encouraged to examine their own attitudes and actions towards the poor, ensuring they align with biblical principles. This includes advocating for justice, providing tangible support, and fostering a community where the dignity of every person is upheld. The church is called to be a beacon of hope and a refuge for the marginalized, reflecting the heart of God in a world often marked by indifference and contempt.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 14:6
You have shamed the counsel of the poor, because the LORD is his refuge.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ecclesiastes 9:16
Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Last Farewell in the Presence of the one Hundred and Fifty ...
... These are the playthings of the Wicked One, who is ... them: but in order that I might
exhibit to you ... up for us the doctrine which was in contempt: farewell, scene ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xlii the last farewell.htm

Ephesians vi. 3-Jan
... When he would lead us away from wicked practices, and ... And now would ye have me exhibit
examples of secular ... was for his hospitality, for his contempt of riches ...
/.../homily xxi ephesians vi 3-jan.htm

Psalm XL.
... But do those then follow no one, who exhibit themselves as an ensample to them that
come after? ... "When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt.". ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xl.htm

A Treatise to Prove that no one Can Harm the Man who Does not ...
... and great luxuriance of leaves, or to exhibit an abundance ... no man if he be infinitely
wicked could attack ... time you were held in the greatest contempt by those ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/a treatise to prove that.htm

Paul Before Felix.
... and calumny, and dragging forth the wicked to execration and ... Tertullus proceeds to
exhibit the grounds of accusation ... an appellation given from contempt to the ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxvii paul before felix.htm

Pricked in their Heart
... without mincing the truth"Ye with wicked hands have ... loving Jesus, when finally rejected,
will exhibit a wrath ... your ungrateful acts which show contempt of him ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/pricked in their heart.htm

Delivered on the Lord's Day, on that which is Written in the ...
... in a manner the object of derision and contempt among the ... day a man shall turn from
his most wicked way, I ... not wish it." Often does the son exhibit this loving ...
/.../sermon xxxvii delivered on the.htm

This HomilyWas Delivered in the Old Church of Antioch
... of praise, nor because we study to exhibit powers of ... and correct the sinner, treatest
thy Benefactor with contempt!". ... not suffer many of the wicked to luxuriate ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily i this homily was.htm

That the Fast of Lent is not Sufficient to Make us Competent to ...
... and supplicating Him, we do not exhibit even so ... contempt; for that this is a contempt
is plain ... debt;" should that servant afterwards be wicked and shameless ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xx that the fast.htm

Of Civil Government.
... his wisdom to the world, and exhibit the reality ... folly, or cowardice, or cruelty,
or wicked or flagitious ... God is armed, and will signally avenge this contempt. ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm