Be Still And Know

Proverbs 28:27 The writer of Proverbs often refers to poverty. In his society there were no welfare state provisions and so poverty was an ever-present and terrible threat. If one’s family were unable to give support, then a person could become totally destitute. Begging would be the only option. It’s not surprising that many proverbs speak of the vital importance of giving to the poor and, in chapter 19, the writer speaks of the spiritual significance of such giving. He writes: “If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord – and he will repay you” (Proverbs 19:17). God loves to see people who are generous to the poor. It is a theme that runs through the whole Bible, from the law of Moses to the sharp and down to earth wisdom of the letter of James. God expects us to care for the poor, and will reward those who do so. The part of this verse that strikes me with particular force is the reference to those who close their eyes to poverty. The writer bluntly states that they will be cursed. God is clearl