The Rich and Rulers

Proverbs 28-29

            Jesus famously says that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God (Matthew 19:24 and parallels). Proverbs 28 also has some things to say about the rich and the poor. The poor are not to be oppressed (28:3, 8). It’s better to poor and righteous than rich and perverse (28:6). Relatedly, stinginess and greed produce strife. The implication is that this is more a problem of the rich, that those who have little are more likely to share it. That’s not universally the case, but it is a warning that wealth can be a snare to us, if ever we start to value maintaining wealth more than we value people.

            Luke’s telling of the story in which the saying from Jesus dwells is interesting. Not only is the man in dialogue with Jesus rich; he is also a ruler. Proverbs has some things to say to those who rule, too. He is not to oppress his people (28:3), presumably through high taxes or a lifestyle out of proportion to his people (28:16). Such a ruler runs roughshod over his people (28:15).

            Lessons: regarding wealth, wealth is a blessing from the Lord, but it is a blessing that can turn our heads. Jesus tells us to use it wisely (Luke 16). Such wise use includes generosity (Matthew 10:8; 2 Corinthians 9:6).

            Lessons: Not many of us are rulers in the sense of governing cities, counties, etc. But many of us do exercise power of some sort, either over our children or as supervisors at work or as business owners. Fair treatment and understanding are called for (Luke 18:1-7; Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 4:1).