“The desire of the slothful killeth him; For his hands refuse to labour. He coveteth greedily all the day long: But the righteous giveth and spareth not. The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: How much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind? A false witness shall perish: But the man that heareth speaketh constantly. A wicked man hardeneth his face: But as for the upright, he directeth his way. There is no wisdom nor understanding Nor counsel against the LORD. The horse is prepared against the day of battle: But safety is of the LORD.”
Proverbs 21:25-31 KJV
https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.21.25-31.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 ...