Proverbs 22

"Rich and poor have this in common, the Lord is maker of them all... Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the Lord will take up their case and will plunder those who plunder them... A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor." (verses 2, 22, 23, 8) As with the last chapter I see an emphasis on how God wants us to treat the poor. The commands here are that no matter our financial position, we are equals with everyone else, and that we must remember this in our dealings so that we do not exploit another's need. He backs this up by saying that He will defend the poor. And finally, it is good to share with those that have less because as with everything, God is watching. I believe that when we share with others to help give them their basic needs, that we are fulfilling the intents of God and that He is pleased with these kinds of works. For Susan and I, we are just now going to start what I estimate as a fairly comfortable life (Praise God!). We have a house and two stable jobs, and as we start living together, our expenses will actually drop as we no longer have to pay 2 cable, electric, water, etc. bills. Susan and I have already discussed at length the roles that each one of us is planning to take as we are married. One of my main roles is the home finances. So I know that as we find a few extra dollars every month, that it also gives me extra responsibility to listen to God when He might be asking me to do something for His purposes with that money. I'm praying for the Lord to open my heart and eyes to the things that He wants me to see. This way, I don't fail in fiscal responsibility to Him because of my own blindness.