The poor among us is the principal subject of our study in Proverbs today.
Proverbs 29:13 – “The poor [needy; destitute] and the deceitful [fraudulent; one causing injury to another] man meet together [concur]: the LORD lighteneth [enlightens; illumine; give light] both their eyes [sight; moral faculty or understanding].”
The poor are particularly vulnerable when it comes to financial transactions and Proverbs 29:13 reminds us God will be judge of both the rich and the poor! Christ taught His disciples an important principle the “have’s” of our world would be wise to heed when dealing with the poor and those less fortunate: “…unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required…” (Luke 12:48).
I doubt there is one reading today’s devotional who has not experienced some manner of fraud or deceit in personal or corporate business. “Watch your back” is good advice in dealing with all men, and particularly in financial matters. I wish I could attest that professing Christians can be trusted in matters of commerce [i.e. contractual obligations; contractors, sub contractors and other services]; however, my experience has been just the opposite. I have found too many who “go to church”, lack any incentive to give you their best effort, hiding behind the veil, “you can’t sue me, I’m a Christian” (1 Corinthians 6:1-8).
In reality, many of us avoid working with Christians in business because of that very reason—too many simply cannot be trusted! It is my belief that, if churches and pastors were willing to exercise church discipline in both moral and personal matters (Matthew 18:15-17), professing Christians lacking moral discretion would be challenged to clean up or get out!
Remember, an omniscient God sees all that is done in secret and He is the final judge!
Psalm 139:1-4 – “O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. 2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. 3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. 4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.”
Copyright 2014 – Travis D. Smith