Ecclesiastes 4
The man who wrote these words about the troubles of the poor, was a very rich king of Israel, when they had all the country of Palestine: he also had rule over near by nations. He was not a selfish man, but wanted to do for the people and for the Lord, and God had given him “largeness of heart” to think about all around him (1 Kings 4:29). He was sorry for the poor, and saw that some of the men who were chosen to judge in the courts did very wickedly (Ecc. 3:16). He said,
“I considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter: on the side of their oressors there was power.” Ecc. 4:1
To oppress, means to treat another uustly, not to pay or give what is derved. The king knew that the good things of the earth were given by God for the use of all: he said,
“The profit of the earth is for all; the king himself is served by the field.” Ecc. 5:9.
So all were dependent on the Lord, but many forgot that, and planned only to make themselves richer, being unfair to others and to their servants. We would think so great a king could stop all unjust things; it seems he could not, but he said,
“God shall judge the righteous and the wicked.” Ecc. 3:17.
For some years this king ruled justly himself, and did much good for the people, but it is sad to know that even so wise a man as he, in his last years, did not keep God’s laws and taxed his people unjustly, using the money for evil instead of for good, and God was dishonored.
There are still many in the world who are unfairly treated, and many who are poor, but if they trust in the Lord they have a comfort which the great king did not know. It was after his time that the Son of God came to earth and, although He deserved the best of all, He lived as a poor man, and told His followers,
“Resist not evil.”
“Pray for those who despitefully use you.” Matthew 5:39, 44.
Jesus did not promise riches or justice on earth, but to wait for God to be the. Judge.
Have you read of Paul and Silas, who loved the Lord, and were beaten and put in prison because men wanted to make money wrongly? We are not told of “tears” or complaints from Paul and Silas, but that they prayed and sang praises to God in the prison (Acts 16:19-25).
Will there be poor on the earth as long as men rule? (Mark 14:7).
How poor was the Lord Jesus? (Matt. 8:20).
Where did the Lord Jesus say to lay up riches or treasure? (Matt. 6:20, 21). To the poor is said,
“Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the forward......
“Because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should foow His steps: “Who did no sin...... Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again.” 1 Peter 2:18-23.
Words to the unjust rich are in James 5:1-6.
ML 06/29/1941