Topical Bible: The Poor: May Be: Wise

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In the biblical context, the concept of wisdom is often associated with the fear of the Lord and the application of knowledge in a manner that aligns with God's will. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that illustrate how the poor, despite their lack of material wealth, may possess profound wisdom.

Biblical Examples and Teachings:

1. Ecclesiastes 9:14-16 :
"There was a small city with few men in it, and a mighty king came against it, surrounded it, and built large siege works against it. Now a poor wise man was found in the city, and he saved the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man. So I said, 'Wisdom is better than strength, but the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are no longer heeded.'"

This passage highlights the account of a poor man whose wisdom was instrumental in saving a city from destruction. Despite his lack of social status and wealth, his insight and strategic thinking were invaluable. However, the narrative also points out the societal tendency to overlook and forget the contributions of the poor, even when they are wise.

2. Proverbs 19:1 :
"Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a fool whose lips are perverse."

Here, the value of integrity and wisdom is elevated above material wealth. The verse suggests that a poor person who lives righteously and wisely is more commendable than a wealthy fool. This aligns with the biblical theme that true wisdom and moral character are of greater worth than riches.

3. James 2:5 :
"Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?"

This verse emphasizes that God often chooses the poor to be rich in faith, which is a form of wisdom. Their reliance on God and their spiritual insight are highlighted as qualities that make them heirs to His kingdom. This suggests that the poor may possess a deeper understanding of spiritual truths, which is a form of wisdom.

4. Proverbs 28:11 :
"A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with discernment sees through him."

This proverb contrasts the self-perceived wisdom of the rich with the discernment of the poor. It suggests that the poor, through their experiences and reliance on God, may develop a keen sense of discernment that allows them to see through the pretensions of the wealthy.

Theological Implications:

The biblical portrayal of the poor as wise challenges societal norms that equate wealth with wisdom and success. It underscores the idea that wisdom is a divine gift that transcends economic status. The Scriptures consistently affirm that true wisdom is rooted in the fear of the Lord and is accessible to all, regardless of their material circumstances.

The wisdom of the poor is often characterized by humility, reliance on God, and a deep understanding of life's spiritual dimensions. These qualities are esteemed in the biblical narrative and serve as a reminder that God's values often differ from worldly values. The poor, through their wisdom, can offer unique insights and contributions to the community of faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 28:11
The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that has understanding searches him out.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Rich Man Poor.
... I came here when a poor boy and I have earned all that you see." When he got through,
my friend asked 'him, "Well, what have you ... A man may be wise in the ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/the rich man poor.htm

The Tillage of the Poor
... 'There is much food in the tillage of the poor.' The slenderly endowed are ... The great
men and wise men and mighty men and wealthy men may be counted by ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the tillage of the poor.htm

Naaman's Wrath
... We may be wise or foolish, we may be learned or ignorant, we may be rich or poor,
we may be high or low, we may be barbarian or civilised, but we are all ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/naamans wrath.htm

The Poor Rich and the Rich Poor
... nothing; and there is that maketh himself poor, and yet ... may think about himself,
however he may estimate himself ... Now, wise men and deep thinkers have found a ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the poor rich and the.htm

Remembering How Far the Writer of Our Book Excels all who have ...
... wise may be for a higher food. He may aim above the mere sensual, and seek to fill
his soul with the refined, but he fails, as indeed do all, even "the poor ...
/.../jennings/old groans and new songs/chapter vi remembering how far.htm

Of the State Wherein Man was Created, and How the Image of God is ...
... most of all aggravates our misery, and may increase the ... another happiness,"to seek
how to be wise as God ... It is a poor invention to devise misery and torment ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xxiii of the state.htm

Christian Morals. Part I.
... and unto some 'tis wealth enough not to be poor; and others ... in a breath: festination
may prove precipitation; deliberating delay may be wise cunctation, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/christian morals/christian morals part i.htm

Now I Thought at that Time that all Men were Judged Worthy of the ...
... And other men, it may be, do not recognise that wise man, poor as he is; but for
my part I greatly prefer the power that resides in wisdom, to this might of ...
/.../a metaphrase of the book of ecclesiastes/chapter ix now i thought.htm

I May Briefly Reduce the Chief Persuading Motive to this So ...
... and foolish to confound the mighty and wise," 1 Corinthians ... cares not whom it condemn,
that it may absolve itself ... what a petty and poor dignity in regard of this ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/chapter iii i may briefly.htm

A Paradox
... kept him from trusting to Jesus; but I have known many a poor, struggling soul ... Brothers,
let us confess ourselves fools, that we may be wise; for otherwise ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/a paradox.htm