God’s care for the poor is written throughout the Bible. Here are three of many passages that illustrate that fact.
Proverbs 19:17 – “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
Psalm 140:12 –“I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.”
James 2:5 – “Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?”
Bruce Waltke, in his commentary on Proverbs, highlights that the Hebrew language uses various terms to describe the poor. The terms for the poor in the above three examples demonstrate God’s compassion and concern for the impoverished.
God cares for the poor. Because of circumstances or oppression, they cannot help themselves.
In Proverbs 6, the term “lazybones” stands out. It differs from the terms used elsewhere in the Bible to describe the poor.
How long will you lie there, O lazybones?
When will you rise from your sleep?
A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest,
And poverty will come upon you like a robber,
and want, like an armed warrior. (Proverbs 6.9-11)
One of my friends captured Solomon’s message by saying, “It’s like a man sitting in a bean bag, munching on Cheetos, and playing video games, yet still praying to God for a job.”
The difference between people who are poor due to circumstances or oppression, and the “lazybones” person of Proverbs, relates to responsibility.
“Responsibility” breaks down into the words “response” and “ability.” If we possess the ability to act, we must do so.
If we don’t respond appropriately, we bear the guilt and face the consequences, be it poverty or another circumstance.
The Responsible Ant
Ants are some of the most insignificant of God’s creation. We overlook them, step on them, and avoid them at picnics. Certainly, we don’t want them in our homes.
However, an ant can be a teacher about responsibility, if we are willing to learn.
Go to the ant, you lazybones;
consider its ways and be wise.
Without having any chief
or officer or ruler,
It prepares its food in summer
and gathers its sustenance in harvest. (Proverbs 6.6-8)
The internet offers abundant information on ants, which you might find interesting or not.
For instance, when an ant discovers a food source, it returns to the nest, leaving a trail of scent. Other ants pick up on this scent, follow it to the food, and also leave their own scent trail.
That’s why there is an annoying line of ants towards our food at the picnic.
Ants distribute tasks among themselves. Foragers, for example, focus on locating and gathering food. Meanwhile, other ants take on roles like caring for the young or protecting the colony.
Even among foragers, distinctions exist: some act as scouts while others serve as recruiters.
While I have no fondness for ants, I believe we can all learn from them. They are responsible for the well-being of the ant colony.
There are no lazy ants who play video games instead of providing for their needs and those of others.
Two Words and Two Responses
The Bible uses various words to describe poverty. Some poor individuals warrant our care and compassion, as their poverty stems from circumstances or oppression beyond their control.
On the other hand, some need to hear the message of responsibility. To these individuals, we might say, “Go learn from the ant and do your job.”
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross and I discuss this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
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