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Proverbs 14:20-21(KJV):20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath manyfriends.21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the

poor, happy is he.

Thoughts for the Day

In these verses found in Proverbs, an observation is made as to how the richand the poor are treated in this world. Verse 20 tells us that in the world, thepoor are even hated by their own neighbors. This is why there is usually somuch hatred and violence in poor neighborhoods. The Bible calls poverty a"curse," as it breeds so many other problems. Filth and sickness are just two

of the things that sometimes accompany poverty. When people do not haveenough money to eat properly, this in turn, produces ill health. When povertyabounds in a region, it becomes demoralizing. People become depressed andlose hope for a better day. Many come to a place of just not caring any more,which in turn, breeds irresponsibility. This is the perfect seed bed forrebellion to grow in. The only way out of the poverty cycle is to give our livesto God. In this way, we can be redeemed from poverty, as well as all otherthings that do not accurately represent our God. God blesses His people whenthey follow and obey Him.

Deuteronomy 28:1-6:1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice ofthe LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which Icommand thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above allnations of the earth:2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalthearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.3 Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field.4 Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and thefruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.

5 Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store.6 Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be whenthou goest out.

We can see from the above verses how much the Lord wants to bless us.However, if we desire to be blessed, we must have a relationship with the LordJesus Christ so that we are able to keep the commandments of God, with Hisstrength and power. If we rebel and go our own way, we will find the law of

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sowing and reaping will bring a curse upon us. One of those curses is poverty.The answer to poverty is not money, but a change of heart that comes fromknowing Christ. Our government has discovered that a welfare program of

just throwing money at the problem does not always solve it, but rathercompounds it. Money never solves the root problems in the lives of people, as

it does not overcome hatred, violence, lust, evil, irresponsibility, fear, torment,etc. The curse continues unless these issues are dealt with.