Proverbs 29:7, “The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.”

April is considered the “Tax Month” for obvious reasons. There are many Americans who give to various charities during the year only because they can use the donations as tax write offs. This is not a righteous act if done solely for that purpose. However, those good, God-fearing people who sincerely give monetarily and of their time to aid those who are less fortunate, are doing good, righteous acts before the Lord.

Solomon, in Proverbs 29:7, refers to those who are considered as righteous, as being those who have a sincere desire to help the poor in any number of ways. These may be poor in material things, or those who are poor spiritually. To clarify, one who is considered righteous is one who does good and is kind to all they meet while remembering themselves that any righteousness they have is of God.

The last half of Solomon’s contrast of the righteous and the wicked, says “but the wicked regardeth not to know it.” According to Strong’s Concordance, the word “regardeth: means to have understanding or to think. The wicked do not think nor do they have or want to have any understanding of the cause (needs) of the poor. The wicked think only of themselves and what will profit them.

Looking at Solomon’s proverb from a New Testament prospective, notice the lesson in Luke 10:30-37. Both a certain priest and likewise a Levite passed by “A certain man” who had “fell among thieves” and was stripped of his raiment, wounded, and left half dead. These two acted as the wicked do and did not regard the cause of the “certain man.” However, the “certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him.” To have compassion and then follow through with caring for this man in distress, amounted to considering “the cause of the poor.”

In applying this lesson, let us consider those who are hurting spiritually and make sure we do not just pass them by, but honestly consider their situation and avail ourselves in helping them deal with their tribulation or affliction. Let us all pray for guidance as we consider “the cause of the poor” and act righteously and NOT as the wicked.

“Think About It!”