It is to note that many successful secular leaders and professionals quote words and verses from the Bible in their motivational, political and inspirational speeches and social commentary. For example International Motivational Speaker, Les Brown commented that “the Bible is the most inspirational book ever written.” The Late Jim Rohn, the Personal Development Guru noted that “The Bible gives us a list of human stories on both sides of the ledger. One list of human stories is used as examples – do what these people did. Another list of human stories is used as warnings – don’t do what these people did. So if your story ever gets in one of these books, make sure they use it as an example, not a warning.” This leads to the focus of my article on what the Bible says about oppression of the poor and the consequences for those who encourage or abuse their position of authority.
The Bible is rich with stories and warnings for persons who utilize their position in leadership for their own selfish ambitions at the expense of the same people they are called to serve. The Bible says that The Creator will judge these leaders harshly. The following verses are rarely talked about, even in churches:
“The wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the course of justice”. Proverbs 17:23
“Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time.” Proverbs 13:11
“Thus I will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their iniquity; I will also put an end to the arrogance of the proud and abase the haughtiness of the ruthless.” Isaiah 13:11
“Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.” Proverbs 22:16
“How terrible will be the LORD’s judgment on those rulers who destroy and scatter his people.” Jeremiah 23:1
God says, “I’m tired of the violent rich bullying their way with bluffs and lies. I’m fed up. Beginning now, you’re finished. You’ll pay for your sins down to your last cent.” (Micah 6 :12-13 MSG)
God says, “In raging anger, I’ll make a clean sweep of godless nations who haven’t listened.” Micah 5:15 MSG
“He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be answered”. Proverbs 21:13
“Rich people who see a brother or sister in need, yet close their hearts against them, cannot claim that they love God.” (1 John 3:17)
“Haters of good, lovers of evil , The time’s coming, though, when these same leaders will cry out for help to God, but he won’t listen. He’ll turn his face the other way because of their history of evil.” Micah 3: 2 , 4
“None of you should be looking out for your own interests, but for the interests of others”. (1 Corinthians 10:24)
“A greedy and grasping person destroys community; those who refuse to exploit live and let live.” (Proverbs 15:27
“Do not rob the poor because he is poor, Or crush the afflicted at the gate; For the LORD will plead their case And take the life of those who rob them.” Proverbs 22:22-23
“God brings rulers to nothing; and he makes earthly judges worth nothing.” Isaiah 40;23
“Do I have any pleasure in the death of the wicked,” declares the Lord GOD, “rather than that he should turn from his ways and live?” Ezekiel 18:23
The Bible is the truth and it lays down the law against oppression of the poor and against those leaders in politics, government, business and the church who violate the principle “to whom much is given, much is required.” The Bible is the Word that will never pass away. As a society, we have rejected God and are living like in the days of Noah. All the Almighty is asking of us is to repent and to live a life pleasing to Him. God is more interested in our obedience to Him and for us to follow His commandments, than our worship. God cannot be mocked as he sees everything in plain sight. “For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.” The Bible says that “unless the house is built by God, the builders labour in vain.”
