"WHO IS POOR?"

Proverbs 28:27                 (Living Bible)

"If you give to the poor, your needs will be supplied! But a curse upon those who close their eyes to poverty."

Most understand that I rarely use a translation of scripture other than King James Version, the English Standard Version, or occasionally the New American Standard Version.  But while studying this morning I was directed to a page using the Living Bible.  This scripture grabbed me and so I decided to look at other translations to see how they differed.

The King James Version says "He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse."  The English Standard Version says "Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse."  The New American Standard Bible offers "He who gives to the poor will never want, But he who shuts his eyes will have many curses."  And finally, the 1599 Geneva Bible is quoted "He that giveth unto the poor, shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes, shall have many curses."

Now I am NO Bible scholar.  As a matter of fact, a Biblical novice is probably more accurate of a description of me.  But however you read any of the above translations it looks as if one gives to the poor, GOD will make sure make certain he is blessed. And if one ignores the poor, he shall be accursed.  

So one has to ask themselves "Who is poor"?  Compared to a Billionaire a person with a Million dollars might be considered poor.  Compared to a Millionaire a person with a few hundred dollars might be considered poor. Compared to the person who lives in the jungles of the rain forest, any person who lives in the United States may be considered RICH!  One's wealth may be subjective, but one's genuine generosity is usually easy to identify.  

If one is considered unworthy because their balance sheet is not as impressive as others, the person who considers them unworthy may be in trouble!  Certainly to have "many curses" is not something most of us desire to have listed on our Resume!  FATHER IN HEAVEN, I pray to be able to see those needs YOU place in my path.  Cause me not to ignore needs simply because some may not be able to help me.