The wealthy need to pay their fair share. Make the rich pay more. The rich are stealing from the poor. The foregoing or something like them are heard from leftist politicians, their followers, those looking for a free ride and the plain greedy we wanting part of what others earn. That all sounds good to those who don’t follow the Bible, but the issue is what does the word of God tell us about the wealthy, the rich and profit? When the Bible is studied, we find that all those who castigate the rich and demean them are wrong.

Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy in 3:16-17, All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. Take note of the content of life that the scriptures cover in verse 16 and the conclusion in verse 17. The word all in verse 17 means every facet of life that is pleasing to God, including making a profit from conducting business transactions.  

The contemporary world, more specifically the adherents of the left, socialists/communist who believe that profits are to be confiscated from those with more (the ones the elites consider rich and wealthy) to be distributed to those who have less know nothing of God but attempt to use the Bible (reference giving) as weapon against believers. They would do well to learn God’s teachings before speaking. Then maybe they wouldn’t exhibit ignorance and stupidity.

James had a few things to say about gain (profit). Surely if making a profit was ungodly, then God would have addressed the subject through the words of James. To be exact, James instructions were to people who weren’t taking God with them as they conducted business. Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. (James 4:13-15) Making profit is to be according to the will of God and business is to be conducted in a godly manner. However, the left considers any an attempt to make any profit beyond what they think is reasonable is wrong, and yes, some even say immoral. That is an oxymoron if there ever has been one: the ungodly left speaking of immorality.

According to the left, those with more must support those with less and campaign for all types of welfare programs designed to benefit the less wealthy. The programs make people more dependent on the efforts of others through government force. Paul had some words for those who thought they were entitled to share in the gain of others. He wrote in 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.  Some of the people of that day had the idea that they didn’t need to work and supply their own food; and Paul told them to work if they wanted to eat since their need to eat was the reason for working.

A similar teaching is found in Genesis 3:19: In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. One is to provide for himself or herself until death. Of course, the New Testament also tells believers to help those with needs since there are always those who need help (As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10. That was and is to the church and not the government).

In the McGarvey and Pendleton Commentary their comment is that when believers exercise false charity, it engenders beggary and becomes the parent of manifold crime. Yet, there are believers who think it is fine that government take from one to give to another. Both the believer and the government are guilty of theft in the matter. Such actions only encourage not working.

In the United States, government has formulated all kinds of programs for the so called “needy.” Long-term unemployment payments and other assistance only prolong the desire not to work. Those who cry that the wealthy aren’t doing their share need to read the Bible instead of sticking their noses into the business of others (busybodies Paul called them) and begin helping others find work.

When one is physically able to work and without a job, and if they can’t find one, they should make one and quit depending on the government to force others to support them. Excuses for not working won’t cut it.   

© 12-24-2011 DEC