One minute read.
Daily Reading: Ecclesiastes 4:1-6:12, 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:7, Psalm 47:1-9, Proverbs 22:16
Daily Verse: “One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.” Prov. 22:16
Extortion and bribery.
Taking advantage of the poor by extorting their position in life, oppressing them angers the Lord because of the immorality involved in the act. In the same way, trying to bribe a rich person will lead nowhere.
“Watching, “Mayberry Man,” a movie based on the infamous “Andy Griffith Show,” the main character exemplified a wealthy man with an attitude problem. An actor who starred in movies, no matter what the people did to impress him, it didn’t. When things come easy to someone, they don’t appreciate the bribe and don’t think about how much it costs the briber.
On the other hand, the fictional character’s lack of respect for the townspeople, thinking them lower than him, in a way, oppressed them. Caring only for how he could exploit the people for his gain, the spoiled actor only thought of himself.
And guess who ended up the big loser, experiencing a humbling that led to a life change?
Everyone matters in God’s eyes. The Lord wants us to love people, not try to manipulate them.
Lord, forgive us for trying to manipulate people. Help us treat everyone with respect, knowing they matter to You. Overflow our hearts with love and gives us opportunities to share it. IJNIP. Amen
