On Answers, a Third Time

The poor useth intreaties;
but the rich answereth roughly.

Proverbs 18:23

This proverb is about the position from which somebody operates in any given situation. Money talks, and in our world to be rich is to operate from a position of strength. To be poor means to operate from a position of weakness.

Christ-followers are not concerned about positioning themselves according to these kinds of values. Wealth does not last and neither does poverty when we think of things eternally. What does last is what is done for love of God and others. This most often requires us to act in humility and meekness, qualities in our world often believed to be weak.

God has promised to exalt the humble. Where being “king of the mountain” and “talking big” are signs of strength, speak gently. Humility is the strength God honors.

-C.R.