Poverty and Wealth in the Bible
Poverty and wealth are among the main themes which are critical in the bible both in the Old and New Testament because it is nearly impossible to separate them from the human beings. The latter was the selected to be the custodian of riches after God had created them. Mainly, both poverty and prosperity despite being developed by God, the two concepts are explained differently in both New and Old Testament.
Differences between Poverty and Wealth
In Old Testament, wealth is viewed as the blessings of God. Mainly, Jacob, Abraham, and Isaac were given more resources due to their obedience to the earth creator (Blomberg). However, in the current bible version there exist no promises made concerning poverty and riches. Furthermore, the latest confirmation perceives capital as an obstacle to serving God and as such, it is discouraged. For example, when a rich man was requested to dispose of his possessions, he became furious and unhappy. Precisely, the bible states clearly that it is impossible to serve the two masters concurrently because you will have to love one leader more than the other (Blomberg). Also, in the current instrument, affluence is considered a limiting factor to faith. For Instance, Lazarus and the rich man Luke chapter 16: 19 – 31. The case is a good illustration of how rich people worship their resources as opposed to poor. At their time of death, the rich man was taken to hell while Lazarus entered Heaven.
Similarities between Poverty and Wealth
Both Testaments portray poverty as a signal of curse and wealth as an indication of favor from God. In Proverbs 10:22, it is noted that God's blessings bring resources. Notably, the earth creator asked Israel children to be obedient and they will be considered for riches. Additionally, the current version of the bible explains how human beings are used as the parable of prosperity. For instance, the story of the unjust stewards.
Both books view wealth as being hazardous to people. For instance, in the Old Testament, King Solomon asked the creator not to bless him with many resources as he will forget to worship. While in the New Testament God categorically states that is not easy for the rich men to see the Palace of God. Thus, indicating how wealth is harmful to human beings. Poverty is depicted as oppression in both versions (Keister). For example, Jacob cautioned the rich people to avoid exploiting the poor in the community by offering them with gifts. Also, Zacchaeus assert that he will compensate those he loot from in multiples of four in the current bible.
Change of Interpretation in the New Testament
The New Testament explains that resources should be kept in heaven where they cannot be destroyed by moles. This indicates that there is a change from the real to the spiritual wealth. From the lessons of Jesus teachings, we understand that happy are those who are poor for they shall see the kingdom of God (Mathew 5:3-11). Moreover, it stated in the current version of the bible that, a man will be blessed if he stops to concentrate on his wealth and instead focus on the word of God. Therefore, the resources which were considered in the Old Testament as the blessing they are meaningless in the New Testament narration and that the blessed are those who obey the message of God for they belong to heaven.
Works Cited
Blomberg, Craig L. Neither poverty nor riches: A biblical theology of possessions. No. 7. InterVarsity Press, 2013.
Keister, Lisa A. Faith and money: How religion contributes to wealth and poverty. Cambridge University Press, 2011.
