Consideration for the Poor

These arrangements did not, however, wholly do away with poverty. It was not God’s purpose that poverty should be totally eliminated. It is one of His means for the development of character. “‘The poor,’” He says, “‘will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, “You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.”’” Deuteronomy 15:11.MHH 98.7

“‘If there is among you a poor man of your brethren, within any of the gates in your land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart nor shut your hand from your poor brother, but you shall open your hand wide to him and willingly lend him sufficient for his need, whatever he needs.’” Verses 7, 8.MHH 98.8

“‘If one of your brethren becomes poor, and falls into poverty among you, then you shall help him, like a stranger or a sojourner, that he may live with you.’” Leviticus 25:35.MHH 98.9

““‘When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not wholly reap the corners of your field.”’” “‘When you reap your harvest in your field, and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it. ... When you beat your olive trees, you shall not go over the boughs again. ... When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you shall not glean it afterward; it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow.’” Leviticus 19:9; Deuteronomy 24:19-21.MHH 99.1

None needed to fear that their liberality would make them poor. Obedience to God’s commandments would surely result in prosperity. “‘For this thing,’” God said, “‘the Lord your God will bless you in all your works and in all to which you put your hand.’” “‘You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow; you shall reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over you.’” Deuteronomy 15:10, 6.MHH 99.2