Proverbs 22:22 – Do not exploit the poor because they are poor. (NIV)

Once I worked in a technical school where there was a vocational rehabilitation refreshment stand operated to provide jobs for the blind and handicapped.

The man who operated the cash register was legally blind, but had enough vision to operate the register if he concentrated directly on what he was doing and seeing right in front of him. The students soon figured out that he could not see at a distance. Some would conceal items in their hands or in their pockets, knowing that he could not see what they were doing. He might receive a quarter for a dollar's worth of merchandise. Eventually, the concession stand had to be closed.

Why would anyone treat another dishonestly, especially a blind man trying to survive? Why do people like to take advantage of someone who's down? These students had money for their refreshments. Was it the thrill of getting something for nothing? Was it to prove they could outwit a blind man? Who knows?

With the closing of the rehab refreshment stand, the man who had struggled so hard to make a contribution to the working world was without a job. The students lost the opportunity to have refreshments. The school lost because the refreshment stand made it a more pleasant place.

We do know that God cares for the poor and the downtrodden, the weak and the blind. He will not allow others to abuse them forever without taking notice. God is love. Those who live lives of deception, abuse, and taking what is not rightfully theirs will someday have to pay. God will find a way to repay those who do the wrong. Is it worth taking a chance?

Proverbs 22:23 – For the Lord will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them. (KJV)

Prayer: Lord, we know You care for the weak and underprivileged, the blind and the lame, and those unable to care for themselves. Count us, Lord, among those who respond to those who need help. Use us as instruments to love the unlovely and those who have never known Your gracious and healing love. In Christ's holy name, we pray. Amen.

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