Toward the Poor

# Toward the Poor

The 1854 prose work "Poor Man's Pudding and Rich Man's Crumbs" by the renowned American author Herman Melville satirically reflects on how the rich judge the poor without understanding their circumstances. In this book, Melville offers a statement that many know well: "Of all the social injustices that mankind perpetrates upon itself, there is scarce one to exceed the assumption under which the poor are judged by the rich—judgments pronounced from those who live in spacious homes, warmed in abundance, and fed in plenty." This is one of Melville's most frequently cited socially critical statements and is commonly used in discussions about class, compassion, and moral blindness. Melville exposed a timeless truth: Those who live comfortably and abundantly often feel they have the right to judge those struggling with difficult, impoverished lives—the poor and disadvantaged in society!

Psychologically, the wealthy and content often do not understand the pitiful circumstances, injustices, and vulnerability of the poor—the "unfortunate" ones. Some believe that wealth and abundance result from personal effort alone, forgetting that other conditions have significant influence: family circumstances, educational opportunities, and social environment all play tremendous roles in shaping people's lives. A "Study on the Rich and Empathy" by Paul Piff (UC Berkeley) shows that the wealthy tend to have less empathy; they recognize the difficulties of the poor less readily; and they more easily judge the behavior of the poor.(1) However, not all wealthy people hold dismissive, judgmental, or contemptuous attitudes toward the poor. Estimated figures synthesized from various studies suggest that between 30% to 60% of the wealthy lack empathy for the poor.(2)

But praise be to God, He is compassionate toward all people, especially toward the poor, the orphaned, and the marginalized! He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, into the world as a person like us, to experience every circumstance. He has compassion, mercy, and saved us from the terrible death of hell, as the apostle Paul expressed: "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" (Philippians 2:5-8). Therefore, we need to have "the mind of Christ"—compassion and mercy for the unfortunate and suffering: "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others" (Philippians 2:3-4). We must look to Jesus, imitate Him, have compassionate hearts, and be ready to help those in need, "...encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all" (1 Thessalonians 5:14b); "Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful" (Luke 6:36).

In the Old Testament, God rebuked those who performed religious duties but neglected the oppressed. He wanted them to examine themselves and recognize their fault, so the Lord asked them: "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin?" (Isaiah 58:6-7). The Lord Himself is full of compassion; He "demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Therefore, He wants us also to advocate for and help the weak and vulnerable: "Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy" (Proverbs 31:8-9).

As Christians, we must be people of concern and compassion, advocating for the poor; so that the world will not accuse or criticize us as hypocrites. Herman condemned the rich because they did not empathize with the poor, unintentionally displaying judgmental attitudes and words! Remember that "The rich and the poor have this in common: the Lord is the Maker of them all" (Proverbs 22:2). Let us respect all people and seek to bring them to God, for God created all people good according to His will! May the Lord fill our hearts with His eternal love, so that we know how to care for, empathize with, and help our neighbors in both body and spirit; grant us the wisdom to guide them to know and believe in the Lord before Jesus returns! Amen!

In society, with all its colors and forms, Rich and poor meet together, All ordained and given by God, All people equal with one another!

No favoritism shown to high or low, God is just, beyond the passage of time, He loves all the world, Teaching us to live with sharing among people!

Be merciful, speak words of comfort, Open your mouth to advocate for the voiceless, With kindness, empathy, and sincerity, Help people know God and receive His grace!

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(1) Piff, P. K., et al. (2012). Higher social class predicts decreased prosocial behavior. (2) The 30–60% figure is estimated from: 60% (Pew Research); 45–55% (conclusions from Piff's experiments on empathy and judgment); 30–40% (studies on just-world bias in high-income groups) Pew Research Center (2014). Most Americans say the government doesn't do enough to help the middle class. Fiske, S. T., Cuddy, A. J., & Glick, P. (2007). Universal dimensions of social cognition: warmth and competence. Lerner, M. J. (1980). The Belief in a Just World: A Fundamental Delusion. Sidanius, J., & Pratto, F. (1999). Social Dominance: An Intergroup Theory of Social Hierarchy and Oppression.

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