Proverbs 14:18-35
Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker,
Proverbs 14:31
but he who is generous to the needy honors Him.
Truly, I say to you, as you did [not do] it to one of the least of these My brothers, you did [not do] it to Me.
Matthew 25:40,45
Enough said.
John picked up on one of the three verses that mentioned the poor (v. 31). Here are the other two:
The second of these is closely related to the verse John cites. But the first is altogether different -– and unfortunately too true. I feel like, deep down, there is an inherent scorn for the poor. As one of my students once said, “They’re just sorry!” We judge too quickly, not knowing what has led to their situation in life. But God loves them, and Jesus ministered to them. And us? Go read what James’ epistle has to say about this verse (James 2:1-7).