Proverbs: Don't Mock the Poor
Wisdom that sticks with you - straight from God's Word.
"He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished" (Proverbs 17:5, NKJV).
How often have we seen this scenario played out in the media, on YouTube, or from various political parties after national tragedies, elections, or disasters of various kinds?
It seems that a detached, heartless cynicism has become the standard approach to popularity or cleverness. While sometimes sarcasm can help us deal with stress, we have to drawn a line and remember to be tenderhearted toward those who suffer, just as Jesus Christ set the example for us.
There is a Spanish saying that sums up the advice from this verse: "Don’t count your money in front of the poor." Don’t look down on those less fortunate than you and don't be glad when disaster befalls someone else. We all suffer misfortune and value those kind enough to comfort us.
Have you ever fallen into the mindset of laughing at someone else's tragedy? How can you change that attitude and become more empathetic?
Course Content
Amanda Stiver
Amanda Stiver graduated from the Robert D. Clark Honors College of the University of Oregon.
Mario Seiglie
Mr. Seiglie was born in Havana, Cuba, and came to the United States when he was a child. He found out about the Church when he was 17 from a Church member in high school. He went to Ambassador College in Big Sandy, Texas, and in Pasadena, California, graduating with degrees in theology and Spanish. He serves as the pastor of the Garden Grove, CA UCG congregation and serves in the Spanish speaking areas of South America. He also writes for the Beyond Today magazine and currently serves on the UCG Council of Elders. He and his wife, Caty, have four grown daughters, and grandchildren.
