Calls for compassion and charity dot the biblical record and inform the faith of most Christians and Jews.
Much less familiar to most believers are directives formed around an understanding of the "rights" or the "cause" of the poor.
Both terms imply that the poor among us are entitled to certain benefits due to life circumstances beyond their control that landed them in the predicament in which they find themselves. Further, the forces keeping them trapped in poverty are not only largely to blame, but should be opposed and, if possible, set aside by people of faith and action.
Consider a few examples.
"The righteous know the rights of the poor; the wicked have no such understanding." Proverbs 29:7
"It is not for kings. . .to drink wine, not for rulers to drink beer, lest they drink and forget what the law decrees, and deprive the oppressed of their rights." Proverbs 31:5-6
"Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute. . .defend the rights of the poor and needy." Proverbs 31:8-9
"They know no limits in deeds of wickedness; they do not judge with justice the cause of the orphan, to make it prosper, and they do not defend the rights of the needy." Jeremiah 5:28.
"May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressor." Psalm 72:4
"I know that the Lord maintains the cause of the needy, and executes justice for the poor." Psalm 140:12
"Do not rob the poor because they are poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate; for the Lord pleads their cause and despoils of life those who despoil them." Proverbs 22:22-23
"'Does it make you a king to have more and more cedar? Did not your father have food and drink? He did what was right and just, so all went well with him. He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me?' declares the Lord." Jeremiah 22:15-16
The poor and the needy, the oppressed and the marginalized in a society have a case to present against those people, systems and forces that contribute to their state of need and despair. They have rights and are entitled to be heard.
Even more important, God takes up that case and God defends their rights.
This strong voice coming from the biblical record moves us well beyond charity and simple compassion as we consider our responses to poverty and the injustices that so often create and sustain it.
13 comments:
Thank you, Larry. I appreciate what you are doing so much. May God multiply your efforts and blessings.
While capitalism may be the best option avaiable, it's still severely flawed and to assume it has absolutely no contributing effect on poverty is incredibly naive.
Also, I would contest the idea that it is easy to get out of poverty. It might not be impossible, compared to ancient times, but there is a reason why sociologists have defined a "cycle of poverty." Generational poverty is real issue, and without government and Christian intervention, it won't get any better.
I enjoyed the scriptures Larry... It's good to be reminded of the rights of the poor.
I have been listening to economist Walter Williams, substituting for Rush this morning. He made a few observations worth repeating that will go a long way to prevent poverty.
1. Finish high school
2. Don't have children until marriage.
3. Stay married.
4. Work at any job
5. Stay out of the criminal justice system.
These are truths that my husband can attest to because he works in prison ministry
The "poverty cycle" is broken with about 95% efficiency if one 1)graduates HS 2) gets a job, any job
3)keeps job and works at job 4)delays pregnancy until married, and remains married. Depending on how you define poverty or the poor, this strategy moves up to near 98% successful. A christian intervention changes lives, it doesn't attempt to manage the "poverty cycle"
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=NTE1MWVhZGQxMjlhMjNlYzk5ZTU3M2JjOWY4NzE5NTU=
Justin: by this comment, I assume you blame the modern poor for where they are?
"The poor were poor not because they lacked work ethic but because of their bloodline"
This, as well as the comments above about how to get out of poverty, indicate a lack of understanding of the lives of the poor. People are not "deciding" to drop out of HS or to get pregnant; there are a variety of factors in their life that might make those "choices" less of a choice than a natural progression.
When you don't understand the value of school, why remain in it? Particularly if you are not doing well or testing well.
Let's also not forget that capitalism is based upon self-interest and greed. While it may work for some, it will take advantage of those with less power. That's why the government has to keep the economy in check.
capitalism is based on freedom. The poor need freedom as much as anyone. Don't limit their freedom.
Let's see if I can reduce the rhetoric a bit here and steer us back to my point.
Does the Bible have anything to say to us today?
If your answer is "No,", stop reading here.
If your answer is "Yes," then keep reading.
The transcending truth of the ancient words I quote is simple and clear: THE POOR HAVE RIGHTS AND A CAUSE, A CASE TO BE ARGUED AND HEARD. Since that is true, there are forces, forces that persist, no matter what the time or the economic system, in keeping them down and out.
This was the point that was quickly lost in various attempts to justify the status quo.
Sorry, I don't buy it. We can do much, much better.
If person A stole from person B and gave it to person C, he would be thrown in jail. Some think it's OK for the government to do it.
But person B abused person C and took advantage of C financially - Person A is acting as an arbiter to ensure that things remain fair between B and C
In my opinion person C was not taken advantage of.
Larry,
Thanks for the Scripture references. Your readers have made some good points, too. Sometimes poverty can be traced to illness, discrimination, corrupt governments, drug and alcohol abuse, lack of education, laziness, broken families, broken spirits, anti-social behavior, and many other factors. Poverty is complex, and solutions are complex. Whatever the causes, I would like to be a part of a solution.
I've been working in inner Dallas for almost 13 years. Before that I worked in inner city New Orleans for five years. In that time I have known a handful of thieves.
However, the vast, vast majority of poor people I've known did not want what belonged to others. They only wanted an opportunity for themselves and their children to do better and to have better.
To equate solid, sound, fair, just public policy that delivers adequate health care, education, housing, fair wages and enhanced skills training to theft is highly insulting and anything but a reflection of the values of the texts I quoted.
Yes, some people suffer due to mistakes they've made. If you look at those mistakes in view of their backgrounds (generational poverty) and in view of what their current financial wherewithal(unlike the rich who make many of the same mistakes but escape most of the harsher consequences) allows them to overcome, they come into clearer focus.
Public policy that creates real space for progress for the poor is not theft, it is more like investment in the sort of nation we will leave for my grandchildren and yours.
One last note. Terry, thanks for your comments. I am right there with you.
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