BROADCASTS.com

b'Proverbs WisdomPriority of the Poor, Proverbs 19:17, 28:27July 13, 2014Michael\\u2019s Personal Goal: the best way I can show my love for Christ is in my response to those in needIn helping the poor we literally share with God Himself. (ref. Matthew 25:37b-40)Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD,and He will reward them for what they have done. Proverbs 19:17There are blessings in store for the generousThe generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor. Proverbs 22:9 (ref. 28:27) Six Reasons the Poor are Poor:1.Refuse to work Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth. Proverbs 10:42.Given into pleasureWhoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich. Proverbs 21:173.Addictions\\u2026drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags. Proverbs 23:214.Talk big, but never actAll hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. Proverbs 14:23 (ref. 17:28)5.Poor financial decisionsThe rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender. Proverbs 22:7 (also 21:5; 22:26-27)6.Events and circumstances that are out of their controlReligion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27 (ref. Prov.13:23; Matthew 5:3; Luke 4:18)What can we do to help the poor? 1.Let\\u2019s not look down on themWhoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God. Proverbs 14:31. 2.Own this: assisting the poor = investing with the Lord = huge dividends(ref. Prov. 14:21, 19:17, 11:25, 22:2, John 12:7-8) What is God\\u2019s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?'