How to avoid poverty according to the Bible

May 23, 2010 by Victorino
Filed under Money Bible Verses

Avoiding poverty is one task everyone may linger in mind. Whether you consider yourself a destitute or one who is rich, the challenge to avoid becoming poor can’t be ignored. Basically, this is because no one wants to escape the fortune and abundance of life. Even the people who want to live a simple life don’t want to starve. Getting rid of poverty is a never-ending problem that may never perish in the lands of our planet. There will always be people who will become poor, suffer famine and experience misfortune in life. Now, solving this problem takes a lot of wisdom and understanding. And when it comes to wisdom, I turn you over to the Holy Scriptures.

First, let us determine who are those people who become poor. This way, we can avoid poverty by not becoming one of those types of person.

Proverbs 21:17
He who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich.

Proverbs 22:16
He who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and he who gives gifts to the rich — both come to poverty.

Proverbs 23:21
for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.

It is clear that the Bible said that people who love pleasure, who are drunkards and gluttons become poor. A person who is wicked will also surely go into poverty. These bad habits, if you don’t want to become a destitute one, should be avoided. It may sounds basic and not so technical, but the fact is – it is a fact. I am confident that many people will agree on those passages.

Now, who are the persons who will inherent riches and fortune in life? The following are what the Bible said about riches:

Proverbs 10:3
The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.

Proverbs 11:24-25
One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Proverbs 24:4
“And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches”

Proverbs 28:27
He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.

The Lord has given us promises that He cannot break. A person who is righteous, has wisdom in his heart, and generous to the poor, is blessed by Him. He brings riches to that person and does not let him be in hunger and in poverty.

God has the power to both make us poor and make us rich. He has the power to saves us from poverty and lifts us to riches.

Deuteronomy 8:18
“Thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he swear unto thy fathers, as it is this day.”

1 Samuel 2:7-8
The LORD sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor.

The Holy Scriptures which are written thousands of years ago are full of powerful words which come from our Almighty God. By putting our trust and faith to the One who created us, who never committed lies, we can assure and become confident that our mouth will never run dry because of poverty. By fearing Him (which is the beginning of our wisdom) and by doing His teachings and commandments (which is the start of our understanding), we can be certain that the blessings and graces of God is on our side. Finally, to avoid poverty is to avoid vices, selfishness, sloth, greed and unfaithfulness. On the other hand, to receive riches, is to embrace wisdom, righteousness, understanding, self discipline, charity, perseverance and love to God, who first loved us and wanted us to be blessed and fortunate.