How Do You View Poverty?

CARMEN is a mother of sixteen children. Her husband was an alcoholic. When he died, he left her with nine children still dependent and absolutely no income. What would you say were her chances of making her way in life and finding peace of mind?

As it turned out, Carmen was able to make a happy life for herself and her children in spite of being poor. How she did it, and what gave her the strength to do it, provide an encouraging example for those who have to endure poverty. But before discussing Carmen’s experience, let’s define our terms. What do you understand by the word “poverty”?

Can You Recognize It?

“Poverty” is defined as the “lack of money or material resources.” But it is not always easy to recognize. Elderly Simon Goldstein looked poor. He “was always dirty and lived like a beggar,” according to a newspaper report. Yet, when he died, the police found his junk-strewn apartment full of money. They gave up counting it when they reached 500,000 dollars!

Of course, this old man was not typical. But the truth is that many of the beggars who line the streets of the world have more money than those who give them alms. On the other hand, some who are genuinely poor hide their poverty because of pride or shame. Ancient King Solomon showed an understanding of human nature when he said: “There exists the one that is pretending to be rich and yet he has nothing at all; there is the one that is pretending to be of little means and yet he has many valuable things.”​—Proverbs 13:7.

They Learn that They Are Poor

Then again, poverty can be learned. How? Well, consider a rural village where most people live on small farms. Their farms give them enough to eat, but not much more. Still, their needs are few, and they are content with what they have.

Then some of the villagers move to the big city. They earn money and buy things that were unobtainable back home. After some time they return, wearing fashionable clothes, spending money and talking about good times in the city.

Now the villagers feel that they are missing something. Their situation has not changed, but their attitude has. They have lost their contentment and now feel that they are poor. This kind of thing has happened in many countries of the world.

Richer than They Think

Finally, poverty may be relative, so much so that a poor man in one country would be considered rich in another. Yet he is poor in comparison with others in his own country.

For example, in the poorest county in the poorest state of the United States, eight out of ten families are poverty-stricken. Yet many of them have television sets, washing machines and even automobiles. Doubtless, many of these families feel unhappy when they compare themselves with their wealthier fellow countrymen. They might feel better, however, if they knew about Tony.

Tony is a father of seven children who lives in southeast Asia. He lives in a two-story house with eight rooms. Seven other families share the house with him​—one family to each room. All of Tony’s possessions would fit into an automobile trunk. To make a living, Tony works 24-hour shifts as a taxi driver, snatching sleep when he can between fares. There is no welfare system where Tony lives. But his life is more comfortable than that of Mohan.

Who is Mohan? A six-year-old boy in southern Asia. His abdomen is swollen and he suffers from night blindness because of malnutrition. The water he drinks is polluted. He probably has never eaten his fill during his short life. He does not have a shred of clothing to cover his little body, and he has never seen a doctor, a toilet, a piece of soap or an electric light bulb.

How Does This Help?

This analysis of poverty highlights at least two valuable things that can help many poor people to live with their poverty. First is the matter of contentment. A person content with what he has is happier and more stable than one who is constantly striving for things that are at present unattainable.

Second, there is the encouragement to count our blessings. What blessings? If we compare ourselves with those who are worse off than we are, we will find that there are many things for which to be thankful.

And did you realize that many wealthy persons are worse off than many poor ones?

Which Would You Prefer?

What could be worse than poverty? Consider for a moment the parents of Anna. Her father is a wealthy businessman, and the family has a comfortable home in a beautiful area in Europe. However, when Anna was 15 years old she started taking drugs. Now, at 23, her mind is ruined. A dark cloud of sadness and uncertainty hangs over this wealthy family.

Their experience is not uncommon. Countless young people, many of them from wealthy families, are ruined by drugs and alcohol. Perhaps even more sad are the teenage suicides. Imagine the feelings of the parents of a popular 17-year-old boy, a good student, who one day was found hanging from a tree in the garden, a suicide. In the United States suicide is the second most widespread cause of death among adolescents, and many of these come from wealthy families. Think of the mental torment suffered by these young people that drives them to such an act​—torment that their parents’ money can do nothing to relieve.

Add to this the horrifying picture that social researchers paint of violence in the family; add the tragically widespread incidence of incestuous abuse of girls and boys, which inflicts mental scars that are very hard to remove; and add the skyrocketing figures of divorce and abortions. You can see that there are many things causing suffering in today’s world besides poverty.

True, these problems exist in poor households too. But which would you rather be​—a rich man with heartbreaking family problems or a poor man whose wife loves him and whose children respect and obey him? The Bible proverb says: “Better is a dish of vegetables where there is love than a manger-fed bull and hatred along with it.” (Proverbs 15:17) While being rich or poor is often beyond our control, there is much we can do​—whether rich or poor—​to build up happiness and love within our own families. A poor man who succeeds in doing this possesses a rare and valuable kind of wealth.

Nevertheless, poverty is a difficult problem. Is there any way in which a poor man can reduce the hardships of the situation that confronts him?

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A person content with what he has is happier than one who constantly strives for what is not now attainable

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If we compare ourselves with people who are worse off than we are, we will find that there is much to be thankful for

Your Lot in Life​—Can You Improve It?

CARMEN, the mother of sixteen children referred to in the previous article, was very depressed at one stage in her life. Her husband was an alcoholic, she lived in poor surroundings and she felt completely hopeless. Then one day a visitor came to the house, and her life began to change dramatically. What took place provides an example not only for the poor but also for all whose standard of living is threatened in this inflation-wracked world. Even when left a widow with nine still-dependent children and no income, Carmen optimistically set about making the best of her life. What, exactly, did she do to improve her situation?

She dug up the ground around the house and planted vegetables, to assure a small supply of food. Then she started to take in washing, to provide an income. She cleaned up the home, making it presentable for visitors. How did she manage that with so many children? She trained the children to help. Each had chores to do, and all contributed to the cleanness of the surroundings. She learned that the life of a poor person does not have to be degraded.

But where did Carmen learn these things? Her visitor helped her to apply Bible principles to her life, and Carmen soon found that those principles really worked.

Would you like to know some of the Bible principles that people such as Carmen have found practical for improving their situation? Following is a partial list.

Work: “Whatever you are doing, work at it whole-souled as to Jehovah.” “We wish to conduct ourselves honestly in all things.” (Colossians 3:23; Hebrews 13:18) A diligent, honest worker is valued in any country. A man with such a reputation will rarely be out of work, especially if he is willing to accept any job and does not insist on doing only a special kind of work. Similarly, if he really wants work, he will go out to look for it, not stay at home waiting for it to find him.

Children: “Train up a boy according to the way for him.” “Let us cleanse ourselves of every defilement of flesh and spirit.” (Proverbs 22:6; 2 Corinthians 7:1) Give girls and boys chores around the house. Teach them to put their clothes away, to be neat and clean. Be sure they wash their hands and faces, especially before meals. Do not let them play around dirty water or drains. Keep the children’s relaxation simple and edifying. A romp in the park is more healthful than a visit to the movies, and often it is free.

Home: The above-mentioned scripture on cleanliness could also be applied here. A simple house does not have to be a dirty house. Clean surroundings give a feeling of well-being and confidence. Such cleanliness teaches good habits to children. Hence, take the time (and train the children) to polish floors, dust shelves, wash walls, and so forth.

Meals: “Better is a dish of vegetables where there is love.” (Proverbs 15:17) Buy simple foods. Look for bargains. Eat fruit and vegetables in season, as these will be cheaper and will help to keep your family healthy. Such concern about providing simple but nourishing meals will show your love for your family. And if you have visitors, do not feel that you have to provide more expensive food for them than you would ordinarily eat yourselves. (Luke 10:38-42) However, one good way to improve the food you serve​—whether to family or to guests—​is to plant food crops in any spare ground there may be around the house. Then you will be able to give your family fresh vegetables at a very low cost.

Vices: “A drunkard and a glutton will come to poverty.” (Proverbs 23:21) Drunkenness is a common vice in poor countries. So are gambling, smoking and the chewing of betel nut. However, a man should realize that money spent on such things cannot be used to feed his family.

Fads: “Let your reasonableness become known to all men.” (Philippians 4:5) Advertising often persuades poor people to be unreasonable. They spend money on things that they really cannot afford and do not need. For example, to some, soft drinks may taste good. But they are expensive and can even harm a person’s health. There are cheaper and better things to drink. Similarly, many mothers are being persuaded to feed their babies on baby formulas. Often, they can ill afford such an expense, while the food that Jehovah provided for babies​—mother’s milk—​is free. Hence, balance and reasonableness can be beneficial and can save money.

Such ideas as these are valuable to anyone trying to make his money go further in these difficult days. But for a poor person, they can make the difference between a tolerable life and a miserable existence.

Something Better

Let us face the facts, though. Some people feel so depressed and burdened by the struggle of day-to-day existence that it would be difficult for them to summon the enthusiasm to apply such suggestions. They need not just suggestions but something to change their view of life.

This was certainly true of Carmen. But the visitor whose call made so much difference was able to supply that. The purpose in calling was not merely to encourage her to clean up her house and cultivate some land. The visitor had a much more important message than that, and this message gave Carmen the heart to make changes. It was a message of hope.

Really Solving the Problem of Poverty

CARMEN’S visitor was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and this Witness helped her to see that she did not have to face her problems alone. None other than Jehovah God himself was concerned about her difficulties. He is described in the Bible as “raising up the lowly one from the very dust; he exalts the poor one from the ashpit itself.”​—Psalm 113:7.

This was comforting for Carmen, especially when she learned how God helped the poor in times past, how he helps them today, and how he will help them in the future. If you consider this information yourself, you will understand why Carmen’s whole attitude toward life changed.

In Times Past

In the year 1513 B.C.E., when Jehovah God founded the nation of Israel, he gave them a law that lovingly made provision for the poor. First, it is noteworthy that the law did not establish an “upper” or a “lower” class. Originally, every family had an equal opportunity. But, is it not true that many today feel that class distinctions are one of the main causes of poverty?

Of course, in this imperfect world people’s situations can change. And some may fall into poverty. Such things happened in Israel too. How did the Law help then?

It did not recommend handouts. But it did recommend a spirit of generosity on the part of others. Hence, at the seasonal festivals, Israelites were urged to include “the fatherless boy and the widow” in their celebrations.​—Deuteronomy 16:9-11.

If a poor man was in need of money, his fellow citizens were encouraged to lend to him whatever he needed, doing so generously and without interest. (Deuteronomy 15:7, 8; 23:19, 20) In this way, the wealthier citizen would not profit from the hardships of his brother Israelite. But, on the other hand, the poor man would feel the obligation to repay the loan.

At harvesttime, poor Israelites were allowed to glean in other people’s fields and vineyards after the harvesters had finished. They could thus work to get needed provisions for their families. If a man was deeply in debt, he could sell himself into slavery for a limited period of time. This was not so bad as it sounds. His interests were protected by law, and he could thus pay off his debts, getting security for his family while he was doing so.​—Leviticus 19:9, 10; Deuteronomy 15:12-15.

God told the Israelites: “Someone poor will never cease to be in the midst of the land.” Nevertheless, the way was open for the poor to be helped to work their way out of poverty. As long as the people showed faith in God, these provisions worked. (Deuteronomy 15:11; Psalm 37:25) Does Jehovah show the same interest in poor people today? Yes, he does.

God’s Interest Today

On one occasion, Jesus was addressing a large crowd that doubtless included many poor people. He gave encouragement by reminding them of the wonderful way in which Jehovah cares for the animals and the plants. Then he drew a lesson from this that has real meaning for poor people today who wish to serve God.

He said: “If, now, God thus clothes the vegetation of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much rather clothe you, you with little faith? So never be anxious and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or, ‘What are we to drink?’ or, ‘What are we to put on?’ For all these are the things the nations are eagerly pursuing. For your heavenly Father knows you need all these things.”​—Matthew 6:30-32.

How can a poor person be sure of God’s concern for him? By putting God first in his life, as Jesus went on to say: “Keep on, then, seeking first [God’s] kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you.”​—Matthew 6:33.

As Carmen did, so, too, other poor people who listen to the preaching of the “good news of the kingdom” by Jehovah’s Witnesses learn that God loves and protects all who serve him, including the poor. (Matthew 24:14) And he really does help. Apart from providing practical counsel in the Bible​—such as that mentioned in the previous article—​he watches over his worshipers and enables them to survive. Many have testified that he definitely responds in a literal way to the prayer: “Give us today our bread for this day.”​—Matthew 6:11.

But those who listen to the “good news of the kingdom” learn an even more important lesson. Jesus said: “Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every utterance coming forth through Jehovah’s mouth.” (Matthew 4:4) Thus they learn the value of spiritual things.

Through God’s Word, the Bible, they learn how to achieve happiness within the family circle. They learn to have a close relationship with God and how to do his will for them. And they attain “the peace of God that excels all thought.” (Philippians 4:7) Most wealthy people today do not possess that peace of mind. Yet it is far more valuable than material wealth can ever be.

The person who listens to the “good news” learns something else of value too. He learns that his poor state need not be permanent.

The Answer to the Problem

Poverty can result from an unequal economic system. It can also be the result of war, famine, disease, racial or social prejudices, “time and unforeseen occurrence,” or just human imperfection. (Ecclesiastes 9:11) No wonder men have been unable to abolish it!

However, Christians are preaching everywhere today the “good news of the kingdom.” This is the good news that the kingdom of God has been established in the heavens and shortly will take over all the rulership of this earth. Christians have prayed for this for centuries when they have said: “Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.”​—Matthew 6:9, 10.

This kingdom will be a world government. It will abolish unequal economic systems. Racial and social prejudices will have no place there, since the overriding law of that government will be the law of love, including the command: “You must love your neighbor as yourself.”​—Matthew 22:39.

Moreover, war will no longer bring poverty to mankind, since God will make “wars to cease to the extremity of the earth.” (Psalm 46:9) Even sickness and human imperfection will eventually be no more, because “[God] will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4) Then, poor people will have the opportunity to work their way permanently out of poverty, and this long-standing burden will finally be removed from mankind.

Content to Wait

Can you understand why someone like Carmen would have a completely different view of life after she heard such “good news”? Here is a message that not only sounds good but is true. The evidence is overwhelming that God’s kingdom will do all the things God says it will. No wonder that another woman with many children, who became a refugee because of terrorist activity, was moved to say: “We are content with our [poor] condition because of the richness of our spiritual life. Yes, godly devotion with contentment is great gain”!​—See 1 Timothy 6:6-8.

Many humble persons, having considered God’s solution to the problem of poverty, are happy to wait for his due time to remove this burden completely. In the meantime they associate with people of similar faith and take every opportunity to share their beliefs with others. Thus they enjoy spiritual riches in spite of material poverty.

Is world poverty a problem that troubles you? If so, why not look into the same information that has helped Carmen and millions of others. Then you, too, will have the opportunity to see the time when poverty will be with us no more.

“Happy is the one . . . whose hope is in Jehovah his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, of the sea, and of all that is in them, the One keeping trueness to time indefinite, the One executing judgment for the defrauded ones, the One giving bread to the hungry ones. . . . Jehovah is opening the eyes of the blind ones; Jehovah is raising up the ones bowed down.”​—Psalm 146:5-8.

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God’s kingdom will forever remove the conditions that cause poverty

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If God feeds the birds, will he not also provide food for humans who serve him?