Topical Bible: The Heart: Harden not Against the Poor

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The concept of the heart in biblical literature often symbolizes the center of human emotion, will, and intellect. It is the seat of moral and spiritual life, reflecting one's true character and intentions. Scripture frequently addresses the condition of the heart, urging believers to cultivate a heart that is compassionate and responsive to the needs of others, particularly the poor.

Biblical Mandate to Care for the Poor

The Bible consistently emphasizes God's concern for the poor and marginalized, urging His followers to reflect His compassion and justice. In Deuteronomy 15:7-8 , the Israelites are commanded: "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 harden their hearts against the poor. Instead, they are to act generously and willingly, reflecting God's own generosity and provision.

The Heart's Condition and Generosity

The condition of one's heart is often revealed through actions, particularly in how one responds to the needs of the poor. Proverbs 21:13 warns, "Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer." This proverb highlights the reciprocal nature of compassion; a hardened heart towards the poor results in divine silence in times of personal need.

In the New Testament, Jesus further emphasizes this principle. In Matthew 25:40 , He states, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me." Here, Jesus identifies Himself with the poor and needy, making the treatment of the impoverished a direct reflection of one's relationship with Him.

Spiritual Implications of Hardening the Heart

A heart hardened against the poor is indicative of a deeper spiritual malaise. It reflects a disconnect from God's character and commands. Ezekiel 36:26 offers hope for transformation: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." This promise of renewal is essential for believers seeking to align their hearts with God's will.

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, also encourages believers to cultivate a heart of generosity. In 2 Corinthians 9:7 , he writes, "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver." This instruction highlights the importance of intentional and joyful giving, rooted in a heart transformed by God's grace.

Practical Expressions of a Compassionate Heart

The call to not harden one's heart against the poor is not merely theoretical but demands practical expression. James 2:15-16 challenges believers: "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?" True faith is demonstrated through tangible acts of kindness and provision for those in need.

The early church exemplified this principle, as seen in Acts 4:34-35 : "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 communal care reflects the heart of God and serves as a model for contemporary believers.

In summary, the biblical exhortation to not harden one's heart against the poor is a call to embody God's love and justice. It challenges believers to examine their hearts, align their actions with divine compassion, and actively participate in the alleviation of poverty and suffering.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 15:7
If there be among you a poor man of one of your brothers within any of your gates in your land which the LORD your God gives you, you shall not harden your heart, nor shut your hand from your poor brother:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Rebuke against Extortion
... in thy land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart,
nor shut ... for bondmen and bondwomen unto you: but are there not with you ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 54 a rebuke against.htm

The Anger and Grief of Jesus
... of the last part of my text, that nothing so tends to harden a man's heart to the ...
day, He would find on whom He had to look with grief not unmingled with ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the anger and grief of.htm

A Caution to Stir up to Watch against Sin
... Wherefore beware, against it shut the door; If not, it will defile thee more and
more. VIII. ... IX. SIN harden can the heart against its God, Make it abuse ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a caution to stir up.htm

The Folly and Danger of Being not Righteous Enough
... they are found to keep sinners from coming to the Lord Jesus Christ; if they are
a means to harden the heart, and such as you would not willingly be ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the folly and danger of.htm

Temporary Hardening.
... That Israel is exhorted, "Harden not your hearts as in the ... of hardening so grievous
that he can not discover in ... his God; he can still open his heart for the ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxiv temporary hardening.htm

The Heart of the Gospel
... and tenderly, and with paternal affection through these poor lips of ... Steel not thine
heart against it. ... "To-day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/the heart of the gospel.htm

The Stranger at the Door. LM
... (430) Oh, do not let the word depart, And close thine eyes against the light;
Poor-sinner, harden not thy heart; Thou would'st be saved, why not to-night? ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/lorenz/the otterbein hymnal/203 the stranger at the.htm

A Penitent Heart, the Best New Year's Gift
... mean ye then being at ease and pleasure while your sins are not pardoned ... and pleasures,
which war against the soul, which tend to harden the heart, and keep ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/a penitent heart the best.htm

A Last Merciful Warning
... God hardens no man's heart who has not first ... Does not the Gospel, if rejected, harden,
making consciences and ... In fact, Pharaoh's obstinacy had not thwarted the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/a last merciful warning.htm

Christ the Only Preservative against a Reprobate Spirit
... read what the world calls harmless books; they only tend to harden the heart, and
to ... unpleasing a message unto him, I would not, indeed, I would not be a ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/christ the only preservative against.htm