"A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge" (Proverbs 29:7, ESV).
"The righteous considers the cause of the poor, But the wicked does not understand such knowledge:" (Proverbs 29:7, NKJV).
By definition, a welfare state (or benevolent state) is one that provides its citizens with such things as health care, retirement, and other social programs including public aid to the poor and destitute. The Romans had a welfare state to bribe the citizenry into loyalty and contentment. God mandated a kind of welfare to Israel (Deut. 15:4 says there should be no poor in the land, etc.) like ordering farmers to leave crops in the fields for the poor to glean (i.e., they were only allowed to harvest once and leave the corners unharvested). Likewise, a certain percentage of the tithe went to the poor as well as alms, which were customary. Some people say that it is not charity when it is coerced by the state; however, following the biblical pattern shows us a grave concern of God for the poor and unfortunate.
Paul says in 1 Tim. 5:8 that a person who doesn't provide for his own relatives is worse than an unbeliever, but also says that those who are unwilling to work (presumably because they are too busy getting ready for the Second Advent of Christ) should not eat (2 Thess. 3:10). Many people misquote this verse and say that if you don't work, you don't eat like Captain John Smith of Jamestown fame said. The verse should only apply to those who truly don't want to work, period. Caveat: "Hear this, you who trample the needy, to do away with the humble of the land" (Amos 8:4, NASB). God reprimands those "Who oppress the poor, who crush the needy" (Amos 4:1b, NASB).
There are people who are unable to work and should be the dependent of the state, since they have bona fide or legitimate disabilities, diseases, or handicaps--and there is nothing inherently wrong with retirement as one wanes in ability and they find they can no longer compete; however, some jobs or careers are easier to do in old age. But it is not the government's job or responsibility to provide the people with security from cradle to grave or in retirement; however, government is a social contract and can legislate a so-called "Ponzi Scheme" if it wills to keep on supporting the retirees with the wages of the working people. But technically, people are only getting back what they put into it and are only getting the return on their personal investment throughout their working life.
The verse in 2 Thess. 3:10 is also not referring to those who are willing to work but just can't find any--there is nothing inherently wrong with a society set up a safety net for those who are between jobs, laid off, or can't find work that fits their qualifications. In all fairness, I also believe people should be given adequate opportunity to find work that becomes their abilities, skills, and education, etc. This is only showing mercy and grace to those in need as if you were in need yourself. Soli Deo Gloria!
"The righteous considers the cause of the poor, But the wicked does not understand such knowledge:" (Proverbs 29:7, NKJV).
By definition, a welfare state (or benevolent state) is one that provides its citizens with such things as health care, retirement, and other social programs including public aid to the poor and destitute. The Romans had a welfare state to bribe the citizenry into loyalty and contentment. God mandated a kind of welfare to Israel (Deut. 15:4 says there should be no poor in the land, etc.) like ordering farmers to leave crops in the fields for the poor to glean (i.e., they were only allowed to harvest once and leave the corners unharvested). Likewise, a certain percentage of the tithe went to the poor as well as alms, which were customary. Some people say that it is not charity when it is coerced by the state; however, following the biblical pattern shows us a grave concern of God for the poor and unfortunate.
Paul says in 1 Tim. 5:8 that a person who doesn't provide for his own relatives is worse than an unbeliever, but also says that those who are unwilling to work (presumably because they are too busy getting ready for the Second Advent of Christ) should not eat (2 Thess. 3:10). Many people misquote this verse and say that if you don't work, you don't eat like Captain John Smith of Jamestown fame said. The verse should only apply to those who truly don't want to work, period. Caveat: "Hear this, you who trample the needy, to do away with the humble of the land" (Amos 8:4, NASB). God reprimands those "Who oppress the poor, who crush the needy" (Amos 4:1b, NASB).
There are people who are unable to work and should be the dependent of the state, since they have bona fide or legitimate disabilities, diseases, or handicaps--and there is nothing inherently wrong with retirement as one wanes in ability and they find they can no longer compete; however, some jobs or careers are easier to do in old age. But it is not the government's job or responsibility to provide the people with security from cradle to grave or in retirement; however, government is a social contract and can legislate a so-called "Ponzi Scheme" if it wills to keep on supporting the retirees with the wages of the working people. But technically, people are only getting back what they put into it and are only getting the return on their personal investment throughout their working life.
The verse in 2 Thess. 3:10 is also not referring to those who are willing to work but just can't find any--there is nothing inherently wrong with a society set up a safety net for those who are between jobs, laid off, or can't find work that fits their qualifications. In all fairness, I also believe people should be given adequate opportunity to find work that becomes their abilities, skills, and education, etc. This is only showing mercy and grace to those in need as if you were in need yourself. Soli Deo Gloria!
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