Topical Bible: The Poor: The Wicked: Care not For

◄ The Poor: The Wicked: Care not For ►

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In the biblical context, the treatment of the poor is a significant theme, and the Scriptures often contrast the attitudes of the righteous and the wicked towards those in need. The wicked, characterized by their self-centeredness and lack of compassion, are depicted as indifferent or even oppressive towards the poor.

Indifference and Oppression

The wicked are frequently described as those who neglect the needs of the poor, showing a lack of empathy and responsibility. In the book of Proverbs, this attitude is highlighted: "The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern" (Proverbs 29:7). This verse underscores the moral divide between those who seek justice and those who are indifferent to the plight of the impoverished.

The Psalms also reflect on the behavior of the wicked towards the poor. Psalm 10:2-3 states, "In pride the wicked pursue the needy; let them be caught in the schemes they devise. For the wicked man boasts in the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD." Here, the wicked are portrayed as actively pursuing and exploiting the needy, driven by their own desires and greed.

Exploitation and Injustice

The prophets frequently condemned the wicked for their exploitation and injustice towards the poor. In Isaiah 3:14-15 , the Lord brings charges against the leaders and elders of His people: "The LORD brings this charge against the elders and leaders of His people: 'You have devoured the vineyard; the plunder of the poor is in your houses. Why do you crush My people and grind the faces of the poor?' declares the Lord GOD of Hosts." This passage illustrates the systemic injustice perpetrated by those in power, who enrich themselves at the expense of the vulnerable.

Similarly, in Amos 2:6-7 , the prophet Amos denounces Israel for their transgressions, including their treatment of the poor: "They sell the righteous for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals. They trample the heads of the poor on the dust of the earth and deny justice to the oppressed." The wicked are depicted as those who commodify and dehumanize the poor, prioritizing material gain over justice and mercy.

Divine Judgment

The Scriptures affirm that God is aware of the wicked's disregard for the poor and will hold them accountable. In Proverbs 22:22-23 , it is written, "Do not rob a poor man because he is poor, and do not crush the afflicted at the gate, for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them." This passage serves as a warning that divine justice will prevail against those who exploit and neglect the poor.

The biblical narrative consistently emphasizes that the wicked's lack of care for the poor is not only a moral failing but also an affront to God, who is the defender of the oppressed. The Scriptures call for a heart of compassion and justice, urging believers to reflect God's character in their treatment of the poor and needy.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 12:6
This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bore what was put therein.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On Helping the Poor.
... Since ye therefore enjoy such a providential care from Him ... And whence shall the poor
among the people be ... not be so straitened as to receive from the wicked. ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i on helping the poor.htm

Commandments to Women.
... the needy; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the poor. ... For although thou dost
not these wicked things with design ... thee, and as not having taken care both to ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iii commandments to women.htm

The Knowledge of God
... He not only judges wicked actions, but wicked designs ... with the pretence of charity
to the poor.' John 12 ... pen go behind the hangings: so, what care would persons ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 the knowledge of god.htm

A God in Pain
... We may see that the poor of Judea, as well as Galilee ... to man, to show men that he
did care for them ... had not sent man into the world to be wicked and miserable ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxxv a god in.htm

Anxious Care
... It is wicked to be anxious ... rich man, the other is the sin of the worldly-minded poor
man ... not only what is the real root of this solicitous care"something very ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/anxious care.htm

Of the Right of Bishops not to be Accused or Hurt by Detraction.
... too in growing measure"that the wicked persecute the ... a charge against their pastor,
to whose care they had ... And stretch thine hand unto the poor, that thine ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/ii of the right of.htm

1 Cor. xii. 1, 2
... he vouchsafed it from providential care, consider that from the same care he hath ...
Say not then, "Why is one man rich who is wicked, and another poor who is ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxix 1 cor xii.htm

The Folly and Danger of Being not Righteous Enough
... and hearken to his advice; and the poor have the ... and rose too if you please, but
take care to avoid ... renouncing the pomps and vanities of this wicked world; if ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the folly and danger of.htm

If it is Objected, that the Necessity which Urges us to Pray is ...
... how much we stand in need of this care and assiduity ... it as the highest insult for
the wicked to boast ... repentance, the character and feelings of a poor suppliant ...
/.../calvin/of prayer--a perpetual exercise of faith/chapter 7 if it is.htm

The Believer not an Orphan. "I Will not Leave You Comfortless: I ...
... Jesus has not left us orphans; His care for His people ... I tell you, though you are
poor and ignorant, and perhaps ... is eaten up like bread, and the wicked of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/the believer not an orphan.htm