Main Text: Proverbs 28:1-28
Watchword: A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
Proverbs 28:3
People raise a man of the people, poor like themselves, to power. They find him the worst oppressor of all, plundering them to their last morsels, like the storm-rain which sweeps off the seed-corn instead of bringing fertility. If you exalt or honor a foolish poor man, you will likely create a monster that will trample on those that he should pity and protect (Pr 30:21-22).
Our Lord illustrates this proverb most beautifully, by the parable of the two debtors, Matthew 18:23-35. Here the poor oppressed the poor; and what was the consequence? The oppressing poor was delivered to the tormentors; and the forgiven debt charged back to his amount, because he showed no mercy. The comparatively poor are often shockingly uncharitable and unfeeling towards the real poor.
Do you despise those that are what you were? Father, do you pity your children by remembering your folly at their age? Businessman, do you recall difficult days in your career enough to comfort those having them now? Supervisor, are you compassionate to employees, having been one last year?
Confession:
Every stony heart is driven far from me; no hard heart will be mine. I carry the mind of Christ, my heart has empathy for others.
Prayer:
Give me a heart of flesh dear Lord, let me feel for people what you feel for me. I want a soul that is compassionate, bless me with one.
Additional Reading: Matthew 18:21-35, Philippians 2:3-4