Proverbs - How to Not Have Money

Proverbs 22:16

He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.

There are two things that the Lord is teaching us in this proverb.  If we oppress the poor to increase our riches we will end up lacking things we need.  If we give to people because they are rich and perhaps we want their favor, we will end up lacking.  Both of these actions are motivated by self gain.  We must not use money to get something for ourselves from relationships.  So many Christians use their churches and Christian friends to be their marketing targets for the latest product and service.  Sure, the Lord could open the doors for business from our friends but be so careful never to look at people as potential sources of income.  We must look at people the way the Lord wants us to look at them.  We must never court a friendship to gain something from another.  We should show the same respect, interest and courtesy to the poor and to the rich, not avoiding either.  If we show favoritism or disdain for anyone based on their economic value we are showing partiality and the Lord is not pleased with this.  Let us love one another because love is of God and everyone that loves is born of God and knows God.  How can we love God whom we can’t see if we aren’t seeking to love those we can see?