Topical Bible: The Poor: The Wicked: Regard not the Cause of

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In the biblical context, the treatment of the poor is a significant theme, reflecting the moral and ethical standards expected of God's people. The Scriptures frequently address the plight of the poor and the responsibility of the community to care for them. However, there is a stark contrast between the righteous and the wicked in their regard for the poor.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 29:7 : "The righteous consider the cause of the poor, but the wicked have no regard for such concerns." This verse highlights the fundamental difference in attitude between the righteous and the wicked. The righteous are depicted as those who actively seek to understand and address the needs of the poor, while the wicked are characterized by their indifference and lack of concern.

2. Isaiah 10:1-2 : "Woe to those who enact unjust statutes and issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of justice and withhold the rights of the oppressed of My people, to make widows their prey and rob the fatherless." Here, the prophet Isaiah condemns those in power who exploit the vulnerable, illustrating the wicked's disregard for justice and the cause of the poor.

3. Ezekiel 22:29 : "The people of the land have practiced extortion and committed robbery. They have oppressed the poor and needy and have exploited the foreign resident without justice." This passage further emphasizes the actions of the wicked, who not only ignore the needs of the poor but actively oppress and exploit them.

Theological Implications:

The biblical narrative consistently portrays God as a defender of the poor and an advocate for justice. The wicked, by disregarding the cause of the poor, stand in direct opposition to God's character and commandments. This disregard is not merely a passive neglect but often involves active exploitation and injustice, as seen in the prophetic condemnations.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:

From a moral standpoint, the Scriptures call believers to emulate God's concern for the poor. The righteous are those who align themselves with God's heart, seeking justice and mercy for the marginalized. The wicked, in contrast, are those who prioritize their own interests and power over the well-being of others, particularly the vulnerable.

Practical Application:

Believers are encouraged to reflect on their own attitudes and actions towards the poor. The biblical call is to be proactive in seeking justice and providing for those in need, recognizing that such actions are a reflection of one's faith and alignment with God's will. The church is often seen as a community that should embody these values, serving as a beacon of hope and support for the poor and oppressed.

In summary, the biblical portrayal of the wicked as those who disregard the cause of the poor serves as a warning and a call to action for believers to live out their faith through justice, compassion, and active support for the marginalized in society.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 29:7
The righteous considers the cause of the poor: but the wicked regards not to know it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Thou Shalt not Bear False Witness against Thy Neighbor.
... Of which it is written in Psalm 82, "Rid the poor out of the hand of the wicked,
and help the ... and despise God, he does not fear, he does not regard them, he ...
/.../luther/a treatise on good works/thou shalt not bear false.htm

"Who Will Rise up with Me against the Wicked?"
... of some to "rise up against the wicked," and join ... For what can an handful of poor
people do in ... your number: And, in adding thereto, regard not wealth, rank, or ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 52 who will rise.htm

The Duty of Remembering the Poor
... as they always must and will, yet the wicked, and those ... I have faith in God for
to-morrow with regard to my ... it, God hath other means to make them poor, if they ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the duty of remembering the.htm

We must Strive for Preferment Only by Right Means. ...
... or attendant or any ecclesiastic should win regard for himself ... Never protect a wicked
man, nor allow the sacred things to ... For whether we be poor or rich, we are ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xxiv we must strive.htm

Whether There was any Reasonable Cause for the Ceremonial ...
... a figure of those who assist the strong to prey on the poor. ... of pity to arise in
a man with regard to the ... of his beasts: but the bowels of the wicked are cruel ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether there was any reasonable.htm

Of the Right of Bishops not to be Accused or Hurt by Detraction.
... the course of wicked men, and having regard to the ... that too in growing measure"that
the wicked persecute the ... And stretch thine hand unto the poor, that thine ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/ii of the right of.htm

The Wicked Man's Life, Funeral, and Epitaph
... in the flesh should preach again, yet would they not regard him, and ... But with the
wicked man it is all in vain ... Ask the poor; "Do you remember So-and-so?" "Hard ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the wicked mans life funeral.htm

The Story of Job
... I regard not myself; I hate my life; it is all one ... me bore me witness, For I saved
the poor who cried ... stranger, I shattered the jaws of the wicked, And wrested ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the story of job.htm

The Poor in Spirit are Enriched with a Kingdom
... a gift in regard of the Father, so it is a purchase in regard of the ... It is a favour
that we poor worms and no men' (Psalm 22:6 ... Indeed the wicked may fear death. ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/5 the poor in spirit.htm

Calvin -- Enduring Persecution for Christ
... Here we are poor worms of the earth, creatures full ... be, liable to be afflicted by
the wicked, as is ... much acquainted with her afflictions, may not regard it as ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/calvin enduring persecution for.htm