Topical Bible: The Poor: Rule Not, With Vigour

◄ The Poor: Rule Not, With Vigour ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

The Bible presents a nuanced view of poverty and the role of the poor within society. From a scriptural perspective, the poor are often depicted as individuals deserving of compassion, justice, and care, rather than as rulers or leaders wielding power with vigor. This entry explores the biblical understanding of the poor, their societal roles, and the divine expectations regarding their treatment.

Biblical Context and Definitions

In the Bible, the term "poor" encompasses a range of meanings, including those who are economically disadvantaged, socially marginalized, or spiritually humble. The Hebrew word "ani" and the Greek "ptochos" are commonly used to describe individuals lacking material wealth or social standing. The Scriptures frequently address the plight of the poor, emphasizing God's concern for their welfare and the moral obligations of others towards them.

Scriptural References

The Bible consistently advocates for the protection and support of the poor. In the Old Testament, laws were established to ensure their well-being, such as gleaning rights (Leviticus 19:9-10) and the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:10). The prophets often rebuked Israel for neglecting the poor, highlighting God's expectation for justice and mercy (Isaiah 1:17, Amos 5:11-12).

In the New Testament, Jesus' ministry further underscores the importance of caring for the poor. In the Beatitudes, He declares, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3), indicating a spiritual dimension to poverty that aligns with humility and dependence on God. Jesus' parables, such as the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31), illustrate the eternal consequences of neglecting the poor.

The Role of the Poor in Society

While the Bible calls for the upliftment and support of the poor, it does not advocate for them to rule with vigor. Proverbs 28:15 warns, "Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people" , suggesting that leadership requires wisdom and righteousness, qualities not inherently tied to economic status. The Scriptures emphasize that leadership should be characterized by justice, mercy, and humility, rather than forceful dominance.

Divine Expectations and Christian Responsibility

The Bible places a strong emphasis on the responsibility of believers to care for the poor. James 1:27 states, "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world" . This directive extends to all who are vulnerable, including the poor, urging Christians to act with compassion and generosity.

The early church exemplified this principle, as seen in Acts 4:34-35, where believers shared their possessions to ensure that "there was no needy one among them" . This communal care reflects the biblical ideal of a society where the needs of the poor are met through the love and sacrifice of others.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of the poor emphasizes their dignity and the moral duty of others to support them. While the Scriptures do not advocate for the poor to rule with vigor, they call for a society where justice, compassion, and humility prevail, ensuring that the needs of the poor are met and their voices heard.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 25:39,43
And if your brother that dwells by you be waxen poor, and be sold to you; you shall not compel him to serve as a bondservant:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"Nothing is Impossible to Industry, "Said one of the Seven Sages ...
... This poor woman's case was a most hopeless one, but importunity brings hope from ...
elder brother of the family, but God has not relaxed the rule for Him. ...
/.../bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter vi nothing is impossible.htm

The Sucker from the Felled Oak
... Then follow the features of His rule. ... It does not appear that the prophet rose to
the height of ... We remember who said 'Blessed are the poor in spirit,' 'Blessed ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the sucker from the felled.htm

The Master Rejected: the Servants Sent Forth
... Delicate regard for kindly hospitality, if offered by ever so poor a house, and
scrupulous abstinence from whatever might suggest ... That rule is not out of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the master rejected the servants.htm

The British Advance, 1801-1856.
... was not able to go to Germany, he received but a poor education; and ... appointments
to office; and the agitation in favour of Home Rule came, not from Great ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter v the british advance.htm

Canons and Monks
... This had been erected for poor pilgrims by the ... some time before 1130 for a rule which
added ... Both these Orders obtained not only extensive possessions from the ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter v canons and monks.htm

The Law Given, not to Retain a People for Itself, but to Keep ...
... of your own for righteousness; and might thus, poor, needy, and ... perfect pattern of
righteousness, then, unless we ought not to have any proper rule of life ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 7 the law given.htm

The Formation of Habits.
... young they may form the habit of submitting to rule. ... him from watching the face of
the poor woman who ... sorrowful-hearted woman, but he saw not the wickedness ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/lxiv the formation of habits.htm

The Christian Life
... that 'the wages of sin is death.' As a rule, God does not ... to be kept in mind upon
which I do not enlarge, as ... If we are poor, and fancy that, if we had a little ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the christian life.htm

section ii.
... He that giveth to the poor, lendeth to the Lord: there ... of our noble friends that
we love, is not that part ... happiness on earth; wherein I set no rule or limit ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/religio medici/section ii 2.htm

Christian Morals. Part ii.
... thee in physiognomical lines, as to be some rule for thy ... where malice, hard-heartedness,
and oppression love to dwell; not those by whom the poor get little ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/christian morals/christian morals part ii.htm