“He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: But he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor. The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: But the righteous hath hope in his death. Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: But that which is in the midst of fools is made known. Righteousness exalteth a nation: But sin is a reproach to any people. The king's favour is toward a wise servant: But his wrath is against him that causeth shame.”
Proverbs 14:31-35 KJV
https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.14.31-35.KJV
Hope for the Poor in Spirit
Jesus began His famous Sermon on the Mount with an upside-down perspective and eight counter-cultural blessings—commonly known as the beatitudes.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:3 ESV
To be physically poor is to lack resources or material possessions. The word "poor" might trigger a mental image of someone who can’t pay their bills, can’t break free from the cycle of poverty, or can’t afford food, clothing, or shelter.
So what does it mean to be spiritually poor, and why does Jesus think that’s a good thing?
Those who realize their own spiritual poverty know that, without God, they are spiritually bankrupt. Those who are poor in spirit understand the desperation of their situation—that they can have nothing, do nothing, and be nothing without Him. Those who are poor in spirit recognize that it’s humility, not pride or self-reliance, that’s a ...