The Bible does have something to say about safety nets and poverty. First, let’s look to see if we can figure out how one becomes poor. This may give us a clue to finding a solution. The Bible lists several causes of poverty:
Prov 21:17 __________________________________________________________
Prov 14:23 __________________________________________________________
Prov21:5 ____________________________________________________________
Prov 23:21 __________________________________________________________
Prov 20:13; Prov 24:33-34 ______________________________________________
Prov 13:18 ___________________________________________________________
Prov 28:19 ____________________________________________________________
Prov 10:4 _____________________________________________________________
Prov 12:24 _____________________________________________________________
Prov 22:16 _____________________________________________________________
Prov 22:2; I Sam 2:7 ____________________________________________________
There are a lot of things to work on here and if we are diligent, surely poverty can be eliminated from our society. The government has spent huge amounts of money attempting to eliminate poverty. It surely is obvious by now that they have been spending the money incorrectly. If we could just shift the expenditures to align more completely with what the Bible says are the causes, we should be able to solve this problem.
What do you think? Is that the answer? Can this problem be solved by an adjustment in government spending?
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Prov 21:17 He who loves pleasure will become a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not become rich. NASB
Prov 14:23 In all labor there is profit, But mere talk leads only to poverty. NASB
Prov 21:5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, But everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty. NASB
Prov 23:21 For the heavy drinker and the glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe a man with rags. NASB
Prov 20:13 Do not love sleep, lest you become poor; Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with food. NASB
Prov 24:33-34 “A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest,” 34 Then your poverty will come as a robber, And your want like an armed man. NASB
Prov 13:18 Poverty and shame will come to him who neglects discipline, But he who regards reproof will be honored. NASB
Prov 28:19 He who tills his land will have plenty of food, But he who follows empty pursuits will have poverty in plenty. NASB
Prov 10:4 Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, But the hand of the diligent makes rich. NASB
Prov 12:24 The hand of the diligent will rule, But the slack hand will be put to forced labor. NASB
Prov 22:16 He who oppresses the poor to make much for himself Or who gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.NASB
Prov 22:2 The rich and the poor have a common bond, The Lord is the maker of them all. NASB
1 Sam 2:7 Lord makes poor and rich; He brings low, He also exalts. NASB