Dictionary of Bible Themes: 5310 exploitation

5310 exploitation

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5200 Human civilisation » 5310 exploitation

Taking advantage of weak and vulnerable groups within society, especially financially; a practice that is prohibited in Scripture. Rather, such groups of people should be treated with special care and concern.

Exploitation is forbidden

Proverbs 22:23 See also Job 22:5-9; Proverbs 23:10; Isaiah 5:8; Isaiah 59:12-15; Ezekiel 45:9-10; Micah 2:1-3; Zechariah 7:10

God protects those who are liable to exploitation

Deuteronomy 10:18; Psalm 12:5 See also Deuteronomy 10:17; Psalm 10:17-18; Psalm 68:5; Isaiah 25:4

God provides for those liable to exploitation

Exodus 23:10; Deuteronomy 14:28-29; Deuteronomy 26:12-13; Psalm 22:26; Psalm 68:10; Psalm 132:15

Examples of groups of people who must not be exploited

The poor

Proverbs 17:5; Isaiah 3:14-15; Amos 2:6-7; Amos 5:11; Zechariah 7:10

Orphans and the fatherless

Psalm 10:17; Isaiah 1:23; Jeremiah 5:27-29; Jeremiah 22:3

Widows and aliens

Psalm 94:1-6; Psalm 146:9; Jeremiah 22:3; Jeremiah 49:11; Zechariah 7:10

The weak

Psalm 41:1; Psalm 72:13; Psalm 82:3

Believers' responsibilities towards those vulnerable to exploitation

To pray for them

Psalm 82:3

To care and provide for them

James 1:27

Particular responsibilities towards the weak

Particular responsibilities for widows

Acts 6:1-6; 1 Timothy 5:3-16; James 1:27

Particular responsibilities towards orphans

James 1:27

Particular responsibilities towards the poor and needy

Proverbs 22:9 See also Matthew 6:2-3; Matthew 19:16-21; Luke 19:8; Acts 4:34-35; Acts 9:36; Acts 10:2; Romans 15:25-27

Examples of exploitation

2 Samuel 23:15-17 David; Matthew 23:15 the Pharisees; Acts 8:18-23 Simon Magus