Jeremiah 22:15-17

How we treat the poor and needy is the outward expression of us being the hands and feet of Christ. Doers of the Word of God made flesh are holding Him up for the world to see. 

Be fair, forgive easily and remain humble knowing that all things come from God. 

We are to share our blessings with those less fortunate.…it is a privilege from Him.

Israel perished because of its lack of knowledge of God. Knowledge of God here is related to concern for the poor and needy.

Jehoiakim did not follow in the footsteps of Josiah. Covetousness, shedding innocent blood and practicing oppression and violence: This triad of sins characterizing the reign of Jehoiakim would hammer home a resounding message to Judah concerning the collapse of its kingship. Covenant violations would not go unpunished.

Jeremiah 22:15-17

¹⁵ “Shall you reign because you enclose yourself in cedar?

Did not your father eat and drink,

And do justice and righteousness?

Then it was well with him.

¹⁶ He judged the cause of the poor and needy;

Then it was well.

Was not this knowing Me?” says the Lord.

¹⁷ “Yet your eyes and your heart are for nothing but your covetousness,

For shedding innocent blood,

And practicing oppression and violence.”

And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” 

Luke 12:15–20

“Say to the righteous that it shall be well with them, For they shall eat the fruit of their doings. 

Isaiah 3:10

     He has shown you, O man, what is good;

And what does the Lord require of you

But to do justly,

To love mercy,

And to walk humbly with your God?

Micah 6:8