“He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, He shall gather it for him that will pity the poor. He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer shall be abomination. Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, He shall fall himself into his own pit: But the upright shall have good things in possession. The rich man is wise in his own conceit; But the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out. When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: But when the wicked rise, a man is hidden. He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. Happy is the man that feareth alway: But he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.”
Proverbs 28:8-14 KJV
https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.28.8-14.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 ...