Poor

When you see the word “poor” in the Bible, there is a very good chance that it is not referencing finances. Even when the message presents poor in a financial manner, look for the true lesson being taught. The purpose of the Bible is the correction and preservation of your spirit and soul, not the health of your bank account, 401K, or stock portfolio.

Sometimes it can be a bit confusing. For example, Luke has Jesus saying:

“Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God” (Luke 6:20).

Reading the above, it could be misinterpreted to say that all those in abject poverty have direct access to heaven. Unfortunately, many people and even some religions believe this to be true. It isn’t.

In Matthew we find the same message more clearly stated:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3).

Once again, sometimes it can be confusing. For example, here we see Jesus warning us of the potential dangers of financial riches to the spirit and the virtues to be found by those who do not possess or pursue the purse.

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:  But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” Matthew 6:19-21).

Adam Clarke, the 19^th century theologian and minister sheds light on being “poor”:

“Riches produce care, anxiety, and dangers, and not the least is the danger of losing heaven by them. To be poor in spirit is to have a humble opinion of ourselves; to be sensible that we are sinners, and have no righteousness of our own; to be willing to be saved only by the rich grace and mercy of God; to be willing to be where God places us, to bear what he lays on us, to go where he bids us, and to die when he commands; to be willing to be in his hands, and to feel that we deserve no favor from him. It is opposed to pride, and vanity, and ambition” (Adam Clarke).

Do not misinterpret what is being said. A financially rich person can be rich in spirit in Christ just like a financially poor person can be. A financially poor person can also be poor in spirit too. A person’s financial status is not the issue. Their spiritual status is. The physical world is nothing more than a manifestation of the spiritual world. With that understanding, the Bible should always be read with spiritual eyes.

Interpretation and context of the Bible should be via the Holy Ghost, which is the Spirit of Christ. Let it. This why Jesus departed so that the Holy Ghost could fill us and guide us until the return of Christ.

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come” (John 16:13)

When you get right with Christ then your world gets right, regardless of financial status, or for anything else going on in your life for that matter.

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:11-13).

Bill Hitchcock