Topical Bible: The Poor: The Wicked: Defraud

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The Poor in Scripture

The Bible consistently emphasizes God's concern for the poor and His call for justice and compassion towards them. The poor are often depicted as vulnerable and in need of protection and care. In the Old Testament, the Law of Moses includes numerous provisions to ensure the welfare of the poor, such as leaving gleanings in the fields (Leviticus 19:9-10) and the Year of Jubilee, which provided for the restoration of property and freedom for those who had fallen into poverty (Leviticus 25:10).

The Psalms and Proverbs frequently highlight God's special attention to the poor. Psalm 82:3-4 commands, "Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked." Proverbs 19:17 states, "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender."

In the New Testament, Jesus' ministry is marked by His outreach to the poor and marginalized. In the Beatitudes, He declares, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3). Jesus' parables, such as the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) and the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31), further illustrate the importance of caring for the poor and the consequences of neglecting them.

The Wicked: Defraud

The Bible condemns the wicked for their actions against the poor, particularly through defrauding and exploiting them. Defrauding the poor is seen as a grave sin, as it violates the principles of justice and righteousness that God upholds. The prophets frequently denounce those who oppress the poor for personal gain.

In the book of Amos, the prophet rebukes Israel for their social injustices, including defrauding the poor. Amos 8:4-6 warns, "Hear this, you who trample the needy, who do away with the poor of the land, asking, 'When will the New Moon be over, that we may sell grain? When will the Sabbath end, that we may market wheat? We can reduce the ephah, add to the shekel, and cheat with dishonest scales. We can buy the poor with silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, selling even the chaff with the wheat!'"

Proverbs also speaks against defrauding the poor, emphasizing that such actions are an affront to God. Proverbs 22:22-23 advises, "Do not rob a poor man because he is poor, and do not crush the afflicted at the gate, for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them."

In the New Testament, James addresses the issue of defrauding the poor in his epistle. James 5:1-6 warns the rich who have exploited their workers: "Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts."

God's Justice and the Call to Righteousness

The Bible presents a clear message that God is a defender of the poor and will bring justice against those who defraud and oppress them. Believers are called to reflect God's character by acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God (Micah 6:8). The call to righteousness includes advocating for the poor and ensuring that justice prevails in all aspects of life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Amos 8:5,6
Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Psalm 37 Part 2 Charity to the Poor; Or, Religion in Words and ...
... Excels the sinner's gold. The wicked borrows of his friends,. ... The saint is merciful
and lends,. Nor turns the poor away. ... To slander or defraud; ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/psalm 37 part 2 charity.htm

Psalm 37:2. 16 21 26-31. Second Part. Charity to the Poor; Or ...
... 2 The wicked borrows of his friends, But ne'er designs to ... is merciful and lends,
Nor turns the poor away ... abhor to talk profane, To slander or defraud; His ready ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms of david/psalm 37 2 0 16 21 26-31.htm

Eighth Commandment
... is as much a sin as stealing from a poor man ... of things you buy, are you not trying
to defraud the storekeeper ... but "though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/eighth commandment.htm

The Eighth Commandment
... That no man go beyond, and defraud his brother.' 1 Thess 4: 6. ... The wicked borroweth,
and payeth not again.' Psalm 37:21. ... (5) To rob the poor. ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 8 the eighth commandment.htm

The Almost Christian
... whatsoever commerce they had with them; to defraud no man ... Even this poor wretch,
in his sober intervals, is able ... Wicked men avoid sin from a fear of punishment ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 2 the almost christian.htm

Psalm XXXIV.
... It is said to them, Defraud not; and they say, Whence ... thou seest that many rich men
that are wicked die in their riches, and are not made poor while they ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxxiv.htm

The Fifth Book
... on account of the oppression of the wicked, since the ... substantial relief by bribery
than the poor could do. ... the shadow of the powerful to defraud their country ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the fifth book.htm

The Broken and Contrite Heart
... There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked. ... But God says to these poor Jews,
Do not fancy that ... wrong; if they will quarrel; if they will defraud each other ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xvii the broken and.htm

Faustus Claims that the Manich??ans and not the Catholics are ...
... the Father, He will not be seen by the wicked; for "blessed ... How can I see him to
be poor in spirit, when he ... class of those to whom it is said, "Defraud not one ...
/.../faustus claims that the manichaeans.htm

A Call to the Unconverted
... which you have felt an inclination to defraud your neighbor ... creatures, but this will
be of very poor service to ... When the wicked are cast into hell, it will be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/a call to the unconverted.htm