Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? (Isaiah 58:7)
And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: (Isaiah 58:10)
Thou hast not given water to the weary to drink, and thou hast withholden bread from the hungry. (Job 22:7) Eliphaz the Temenite
God wants us to give our resources generously to those who need them. We need to be careful though to minimise the wickedness used against us. We should give people the benefit of the doubt, but when it is clear a person is a professional beggar that is time to stop. People who do not give like to criticise those who do. When you turn away a wicked beggar he will probably make trouble. Soon you may have wealthy people who only give in public speaking the words of Eliphaz to you. Job was very generous but his friend did not recognise this. Many people quote Job's friends to teach false doctrines, reading Job 22 gives a magnificent collection of popular falsehoods. What is God's assessment of Eliphaz's doctrine?
And it was so, that after the Lord had spoken these words unto Job, the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath. (Job 42:7)
Feed the hungry and you are feeding Jesus, but beware of professional beggars and self-serving charities.
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