Topical Bible: Temptation: Often Arises Through: Poverty

◄ Temptation: Often Arises Through: Poverty ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Poverty, a condition of lacking sufficient material possessions or income, is frequently depicted in the Bible as a circumstance that can lead to temptation. The Scriptures acknowledge the challenges and spiritual trials that accompany financial hardship, emphasizing the need for reliance on God and adherence to His commandments.

In Proverbs 30:8-9 , the writer Agur expresses a profound understanding of the temptations associated with both poverty and wealth: "Keep falsehood and deceitful words far from me. Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the bread that is my portion, lest I become full and deny You, saying, 'Who is the LORD?' Or lest I become poor and steal, profaning the name of my God." This passage highlights the dual temptations of denying God in wealth and resorting to theft in poverty, underscoring the spiritual dangers inherent in both extremes.

The New Testament also addresses the temptations linked to poverty. In James 2:5-6 , the apostle James writes, "Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you and drag you into court?" Here, James acknowledges the societal challenges faced by the poor, while also affirming their potential for great faith. The temptation for the impoverished may include resentment or envy towards the wealthy, as well as the temptation to compromise one's integrity for financial gain.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often addresses the issue of contentment in the face of poverty. In Philippians 4:11-13 , he writes, "I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Paul’s words serve as a reminder that contentment and reliance on Christ can overcome the temptations that arise from financial hardship.

The Bible also provides guidance on how to support those in poverty, thereby helping to alleviate the temptations they face. In 1 John 3:17 , it is written, "If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?" This verse calls believers to act with compassion and generosity, recognizing that such actions can help mitigate the temptations and trials that accompany poverty.

Throughout Scripture, poverty is acknowledged as a condition that can lead to various temptations, including theft, dishonesty, and a lack of trust in God. However, the Bible also offers hope and guidance, encouraging believers to find contentment in Christ and to support one another in times of need.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 30:9
Lest I be full, and deny you, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 4:2,3
And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungered.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Letter vi. Temptation.
... But if it arises from the application of the Scripture to ... Satan, no doubt, often
brings the most sweet and ... Satan manages temptation with the greatest subtlety. ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter vi temptation.htm

'Lead us not into Temptation'
... shelter from and in temptation which arises from deep ... the enemy, because we know
how often circumstances make ... I take to 'enter into temptation' as the further ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/lead us not into temptation.htm

The Paralytic Let Down through the Roof.
... ye are able, but will with the temptation also make ... and to prefer bearing the pain
which arises from their ... Often for example when the eyes are distressed by ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily on the paralytic let.htm

Redemption through Blood, the Gracious Forgiveness of Sins
... That sweet hymn, which we often sing, is a ... the mists of the morning when the sun
arises. ... transgressed against greater light, with less temptation thereto, and ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/redemption through blood the gracious.htm

1 Thessalonians v. 19-22
... liable to be extinguished even when no temptation assails it ... vehement and the love
of the other arises, when we ... And often when a slave is scourged, and adjures ...
/.../homily xi 1 thessalonians v.htm

Matt. xxvi. 36-38.
... Pray that ye enter not into temptation;" every way ... then I pray thee the mist that
arises from this ... to be indifferent about worldly things, often occasions all ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxxiii matt xxvi 36-38.htm

1 Timothy vi. 7-Feb
... And that pride arises from knowing nothing is manifest ... But what is the "temptation
and snare," which he ... proceeds on his way indeed, but, often without knowing ...
/.../homily xvii 1 timothy vi.htm

Christian Devotedness, Etc.
... spirituality of mind to discern that this arises in a ... the possibility of its being
only a temptation of Satan ... Prince of Darkness" coming, as he often does, in ...
/.../groves/christian devotedness/christian devotedness etc.htm

The Call of Abraham
... This grieves the hearts of those who know and love Jesus, and the question arises
with them, "What shall I do ... How often has this temptation happened to the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the call of abraham.htm

Of Certain Temptations of Satan. Instructions Relating Thereto.
... There is another temptation"we ought to be aware of ... Satan tells them that this pain
arises only out of ... I often wonder at learned men"particularly those who ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter xiii of certain temptations.htm