Topical Bible: Selfishness: Exhibited in Neglect of the Poor

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Selfishness, as a moral failing, is frequently addressed in the Bible, particularly in the context of neglecting the poor. The Scriptures consistently emphasize the importance of caring for the needy, and the failure to do so is often portrayed as a manifestation of selfishness and a departure from God's commandments.

Old Testament Insights

The Old Testament lays a strong foundation for the care of the poor, with numerous laws and teachings that highlight the importance of generosity and justice. In Deuteronomy 15:7-8 , it is written: "If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs." This passage underscores the expectation that God's people should not be selfish but rather open-handed and generous.

The prophets also spoke against the neglect of the poor, often linking it to societal corruption and divine judgment. In Isaiah 58:6-7 , the Lord declares: "Is not this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?" Here, true worship is equated with acts of justice and mercy, contrasting with the selfishness of neglecting those in need.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus Christ Himself exemplifying and teaching the importance of caring for the poor. In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31), Jesus illustrates the dire consequences of ignoring the plight of the poor. The rich man's selfishness and neglect of Lazarus, a poor man at his gate, result in eternal separation from God, highlighting the spiritual peril of such indifference.

James, the brother of Jesus, also addresses this issue directly. In James 2:15-17 , he writes: "Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you tells him, 'Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,' but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that? So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." This passage emphasizes that true faith is demonstrated through action, particularly in caring for those in need, and that selfishness is antithetical to genuine Christian living.

Apostolic Example

The early church provides a model of selflessness in its communal care for the poor. Acts 4:34-35 describes the early believers: "There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need." This practice reflects a community committed to eradicating poverty among its members, contrasting sharply with selfishness.

Warnings and Exhortations

Throughout Scripture, there are warnings against the dangers of wealth and the selfish neglect of the poor. Proverbs 21:13 cautions: "Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer." This proverb serves as a stark reminder of the reciprocal nature of mercy and the consequences of selfishness.

The Bible's consistent message is clear: neglecting the poor is a grave sin rooted in selfishness, and believers are called to a higher standard of love, generosity, and justice.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 John 3:17
But whoever has this world's good, and sees his brother have need, and shuts up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwells the love of God in him?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Our Relations to the Departed
... springs up in our sorrow; that we neglect not the ... departed in the light that has
been exhibited in this ... it as the last refuge,"argues an extreme selfishness. ...
/.../chapin/the crown of thorns/our relations to the departed.htm

Miracles no Remedy for Unbelief.
... surely that insensibility which they exhibited on the ... in the desert, their greediness,
selfishness, murmuring, caprice ... are now-a-days, who neglect such warnings ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon vi miracles no remedy.htm

Letter xvi. Charity.
... Should you neglect to do so, however good ... charity is sufficiently comprehensive,
if exhibited in all ... the most repulsive and uncomfortable forms of selfishness. ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter xvi charity.htm

The Persecutions of the Church.
... support of idolatry, did not neglect to proclaim ... systematic and sanguinary violence
exhibited in the ... Church originated partly in selfishness and superstition. ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the persecutions of.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... And it is a poor thing that is not worth asking for ... Well, said Mercy, as by this
neglect we have an occasion ministered unto us, to behold our own imperfections ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm