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How to Insult God

Sunday I preached from Proverbs 14:31 which states, "Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him."

I don't know about you, but over the years I know I've been guilty of skimming past verses like this in Proverbs and focusing instead on the verses that relate to immediate questions or decisions that I'm facing. But I'd encourage you to take time to study Proverbs with an eye for verses that talk about the importance of justice for those who are oppressed and compassion for those who are in need. (Check out Proverbs 21:13, 22:9, 22:16, 22:22-23, 23:10-11, 24:11-12, 31:9).

What I find compelling about Proverbs 14:31 is that it shows very clearly the connection between our attitude toward the needy and our attitude toward God. How we relate to those in need reveals how we relate to God himself.

You can listen online to the sermon. And here's a summary outline (PDF) of the sermon created by fellow-pastor Don Devries.

Comments (3)

Very true, very true...God's heart is for the oppressed, as we once were the oppressed, but now walk in freedom!

Thanks for the link i mean the recording. Listening right now...

Would merely not helping someone in need count as "oppressing a poor man"? I've always wondered that since I walk past a lot of bums and feel bad that I don't do anything.

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