Daily Devotional
               Betty Miller shares her daily devotionals which are based on the book of Proverbs in the Bible.   

  The Wisdom of God

Verses for the Day:  

Proverbs 28:27-28 (KJV):
27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

Proverbs 28:27-28 (AMP):
27 He who gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes (from their want) will have many a curse.
28 When the wicked rise (to power), men hide themselves; but when they perish, the (consistently) righteous increase and become many.

Thoughts for the Day:

These verses from Proverbs tell us that those who give to the poor shall never lack themselves, but those who look the other way will be cursed. Also, when wicked men rise to places of authority, men hide themselves; however, when the righteous rise to power, those who are righteous will increase.

Verse 27 clearly says that those who minister to the poor will not lack themselves. Who are the poor this scripture is talking about? Certainly, it is not referring to the lazy, as the scripture already talks about how to deal with that problem. The poor are those who are disadvantaged through troubles and circumstances beyond their control. Good examples would be neglected children, helpless people, displaced people, exploited people, victims of tragedies, victims of natural disasters, those who have lost their jobs, handicapped people, hungry people, etc. One of the things the Lord desires for His people to possess is a compassionate heart because that is the kind of heart that He has.

Deuteronomy 15:7-11:
7 If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother:
8 But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth.
9 Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee.
10 Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto.
11 For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.

Proverbs 28:27 tell us that a person who is generous shall be blessed. One who gives of his own bread (or goods) to the poor, and who gives generously and graciously, is the kind of person who will always be blessed.  Paul, the apostle, in the New Testament, encouraged people to support the weak and give to the poor. Paul gave to others, but he also received from others, as he was a minister of God; yet, he said it was more blessed to give, than to receive, in Acts 20:33-35. We are also told the penalty for those who look past the needs of others -- that penalty is that they will be cursed, or suffer themselves, when they have a need.

Verse 28 in today's study tells us that men hide themselves from wicked leadership. When wicked men rule, they are not fair and just. They will use their position to remove those people that they do not like. Therefore many people must protect their lives and their belongings, as wicked people and wicked rulers always seek to destroy others for their own agendas.  However, the opposite is true when righteous men rule. It creates an environment for righteousness to multiply in the land. Righteous people will stand up and voice their concerns and help with projects that create a healthy society. Good and righteous leadership also influences others to become righteous; thus, there is an increase of good people in the land and the whole land is blessed because of it.

Prayer for the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father, I am grateful that You have shown me Your compassion many times over the years. Lord, may I become like You and show that same attribute to others, and especially the poor.  Lord, bless me so that I might bless others who are needy.  May I never turn my face away from those who are seeking help.  Lord, if I am unable to give in a monetary way, may I always remember I can always give of my time and my prayers.  Deliver me of any fear or insecurity that would keep me from being generous. May I always be a cheerful giver.  I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.