Bible Study & Devotional 249
Guiding Scripture: Proverbs 22:22-23 ‘Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the Lord will take up their case and will exact life for life.’
🔴Righteous Judge
written by: Torrie Slaughter
Scripture tells us that to fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. If we are tempted to oppress the afflicted, we insult God and become His enemy. So how does one keep greed at bay? By joyfully acknowledging the blessings from our Lord.
We have many examples of training our minds to obey Christ:
Leviticus 25:17 Do not take advantage of each other, but fear your God; for I am the LORD your God.
Proverbs 22:16 Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself or giving gifts to the rich will surely lead to poverty.
Zechariah 7:10 Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. And do not plot evil in your hearts against one another.’
The Word of God warns us not to take advantage or oppress others. The command to love God, ourselves, and our neighbors bring thoughtful reflection to any circumstance. We will desire to think as God thinks.
Rebelling against God and arrogantly moving forward with knowledge of His plan will bring His wrath.
Malachi 3:5 Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me,” says the LORD of Hosts.
Proverbs 17:5 Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.
Do not invite God’s punishment. While there is nothing that can separate His people once they believe it is not a license to continue in sin. Be intentional about all your transactions, whether physical or intellectual property. Consider the value of time and resources as you build with one another. I pray you are encouraged to view everyone as God does.
🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan
Song of Solomon 1:1-4:16, 2 Corinthians 8:16-24, Psalm 50:1-23, Proverbs 22:22-23
This devotional was written by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® for A Daily Purpose Bible Study & Devotional. Want to hear more? Tune in on Mondays and listen to Our Given Purpose the Podcast and on Fridays to Talking on Purpose with Torrie the Podcast & Internet Show. Torrie also hosts a YouTube channel of the same name.
Please consider supporting Our Given Purpose® by becoming a monthly sponsor or leave a tip in the tip jar!
