Wealth vs Poor - Proverbs 28-30

 Proverbs 28:3 (ESV)

A poor man who oppresses the poor

is a beating rain that leaves no food.

Proverbs 28:6 (ESV)

Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity

than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.

Proverbs 28:8 (ESV)

Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit

gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.

Proverbs 28:11 (ESV)

A rich man is wise in his own eyes,

but a poor man who has understanding will find him out.

Proverbs 28:15 (ESV)

Like a roaring lion or a charging bear

is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

Proverbs 28:19 (ESV)

Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread,

but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.

Proverbs 28:20 (ESV)

A faithful man will abound with blessings,

but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.

Proverbs 28:22 (ESV)

A stingy man hastens after wealth

and does not know that poverty will come upon him.

Proverbs 28:25 (ESV)

A greedy man stirs up strife,

but the one who trusts in the LORD will be enriched.

Proverbs 28:27 (ESV)

Whoever gives to the poor will not want,

but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.

Chapter 28 of Proverbs has a lot to say about wealth and the poor.   Notice that God is concerned about wealth and poverty.   In the Law God actually designed a plan for those who had crops (wealthy) who were to leave some of their crop for the poor to self-provide or themselves.   The wealthy were not to simply “give” money to the poor.  But, they were to make an avenue for the poor to benefit themselves.  That is what we read in the above passage.   It does not mean we are not to give anything.  But we are to give them opportunities. The wealthy are not to hoard their wealth but find a way to use it to increase the quality of life for the poor.