Tag Archives: greed

March 13, 2025 · 9:00 pm

Wealth

8 If you see the oppression of the poor, and the violent perversion of justice and righteousness in a province, do not marvel at the matter; for high official watches over high official, and higher officials are over them. 9 Moreover the profit of the land is for all; even the king is served from the field.

Ecclesiastes 5:8-9

Solomon now moves to a general discussion of generosity and wealth in these final verses of chapter 5. Once again, he notes the oppression of the poor and the corruption of the justice system of his day. And once again, these observations are extremely applicable in our day.

Corruption, greed, and mistreatment of others are rampant in our society. Daily media regularly showcases instances of oppression. Things surely haven’t changed much.

Our task as Christians is to fight injustice wherever we can. Let us not excuse it but root it out when we have the chance. As the prophet Amos stated in chapter 5:24, But let justice run down like water, And righteousness like a mighty stream.

Tony French

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January 11, 2024 · 9:00 pm

Act Justly

4 Have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives? 5 Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who oppress you and personally drag you into court? 7 Do they not blaspheme the fair name by which you have been called?

James 2:4-7

Discrimination against the poor is in view in James 2:4-7. Two main condemnations are expressed by the Apostle as he teaches us to avoid distinctions and treat all with justice.

First, discriminating against the less fortunate reveals evil motives. Judging others based on their poverty results in a heart that is motivated not by the truths of God. Rather, a heart of greed and avarice is put on full display when Christians dishonor the poor.

Also, Christians blaspheme (to make little of) the name of Christ when they favor the rich over the poor. Jesus came to this planet for the disadvantaged whether they were poor in spirit or few in possessions. Even Christ had no place to lay His head. (Luke 9:58) The Believer brings judgement upon themselves if they act in favoritism.

It is far better to treat all with kindness and dignity. Such actions honor the Scriptures and give an example of Christ’s love to others.

Tony French

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