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Do not the rich oppress you?

Funny what surprises the Bible can spring upon you. I got my large study bible down from the bookshelf to have a nose through when I had 10 minutes spare and I settled upon the James, specifically chapter 2.

 1My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
 2For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
 3And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
 4Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? (James 2:1-4, King James Version)

Quite a strong passage there highlighting how we should practice equality in our relations and transactions with other people. So strong is the request that the passage suggests that to treat people based upon their outward appearance or worldly standing is in fact a sin!

Verses 5 to 7 is an interesting passage which I think I will need to look into ar depth another time.

 5Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
 6But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
 7Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? (James 2:5-7, King James Version)

Who are the poor? In contrast to the ways of this world God seems to have a heart for those whom this world looks down upon or shuns. A world turned upside down is a world that God seems to favour!

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