June 9, 2026

Business by the Book

Psalm 41:1 Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.

Jesus said For ye have the poor always with you… (Matthew 26:11). So it is today, there are poor among us. Some are poor through no fault of their own, some have earned poverty through idleness, but whatever the cause there are poor everywhere. In every country, state, city, town, village, or hamlet poor people exist. The question is not “Are there poor people in our city;” the question is “What can we do to help the poor people in our city?” 

In all the innumerable ways to help the impoverished one thing is certain, Blessed is he that considereth the poor…  Considering the poor must mean more than thinking about them, it is doing something for them. James asked the question, If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?” (James 2:15-16) The answer:  Nothing. To consider the poor without action is not that which brings forth the blessing of the Lord. Considering the poor, developing a plan to help them, and then helping them is that which secures the blessing.

Giving finances to organizations that, in turn assist the poor, volunteering time, and influencing others to do likewise are three simple ways to consider the poor. Paul taught in Galatians 6:10 a simple truth that is so often overlooked. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men…  Throughout life the Lord puts in our path many opportunities to help the underprivileged. Seldom do we need to look for a way to help the poor, just be sensitive to the opportunities the Lord gives, for they are ample.

However a person finds to consider the poor they have a promise. The Lord will deliver them in time of trouble. When we were children and played monopoly one of the most popular cards to obtain was the “get out of jail free card.”  While today’s verse does not promise the absence of jail time, especially if guilty of a crime, it does give us somewhat of a “get out of trouble card.”  This card, as associated with this promise, is not free though. It is incumbent upon considering the poor and assisting them in their poverty.

Although as with all of God’s promises the motive for helping the poor is not to obtain the “get out of trouble card,” the proper motive is to help another soul on this difficult road of life. But as a reward, God promises to deliver from trouble. Likewise, with tithing no one should give to get for this is an improper motive. Give for the sake of giving out of love, honor, obedience and respect. Then God will return that which is given, and more. Helping the poor is helping for the sake of helping. The promise of God to deliver in time of trouble is in response to being willing to help, even without the promise being attached.

Regardless, successful people have many opportunities to help the poor. To do so however they must first consider them.

Dr. William Howe