Wealth and PovertySample

Don’t expect it from wealthy people

“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” (Proverbs 22:7 ESV)

Wealth and poverty form part of personal ethics. In his letter, James warns the Christian community against showing favouritism. This is often how it works in practice. The rich are welcomed, receive polite treatment, and are given a place at the front of the church, while the poor are left to sit at the back. No one pays any attention to them. This is not how it should be in church. Such behaviour is unworthy of a Christian.

We read something similar in Proverbs. It concerns how we handle money. Investing in a well-performing investment fund and giving away less to others is an obvious strategy, isn't it? There are plenty of wealthy diaconates that, having become completely detached from Christian practice, have spent a great deal of time thinking about how to deal with their wealth.

Share your money with the poor, and be careful not to use your possessions to serve the rich. Remember that your possessions are a gift from God. Don't acquire them at the expense of others or use them to bribe the rich to support your plans. Live as you would like to be treated, says Jesus. This also applies to your wallet. Don't make decisions based solely on what you can get out of them.