The Loot That Is Not There

(Proverbs 22:22 KJV)  Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:

How do you “rob” (1497) someone who is already “poor” (1800b)?  Keep in mind that Solomon is not talking about modern American poor.  He is not talking about people who have HD cable TV and smart phones.  He doesn’t mean to steal their car or computer.  He is talking about people who only have one set of clothes, no cash, no food on the shelf and no shelf.  It is a sense of poor we can’t rap our minds around.  Some people will try to take from them. 

What and How?

Most of us cannot understand someone who would take from people in this condition.  Perhaps it could refer to subtle things like robbing their future by making their education worthless.  Perhaps it could be by not teaching them values and principles that make life work.  Perhaps it is the way that we treat children today. 

Perhaps it is by not sharing the saving news of Jesus.

So?  What do people around you lack that you should be giving them?  I see people who need me to shut my mouth and listen.  I see people who need me to open my mouth and encourage.  I see others that need a real lecture.  Pray, listen, act.