Jordan - Proverbs 19

A few verses in Proverbs talk about the sad truth that often times the poor are forgotten and even despised.  In verse 4 and 7 today and in chapter 14:20-21.  In the "land of opportunity" people even go so far as to call the poor lazy.  Reading this reminded be of a book I read in college called Nickel and Dimed in which the author did a study to find out how someone with a low paying job could get ahead in our society.  She worked as a maid, at Walmart and a few other places and worked herself to the bone just making ends meet.  I remember reading that book and being amazed at how little she was paid and how here costs kept adding up.  She takes up two jobs, works 7 days a week and still has trouble keeping afloat.  And this is in the U.S.!  

I still can't believe that I hear people sometimes talk about the poor being lazy.  Yes, I am sure there are always examples of people who take advantage of the system, but there are far more honest people who are trying to get ahead.  Jesus reminds us that the poor will always be with us, but we should love them and care for them as our neighbors.  If you ever find yourself thinking that or shaking your head at the poor, pickup that book and see if it changes your mind.