Begging

Strangers, family, even some of your friends may make it a habit to beg. But what does God say about it?

Sirach 18:33 KJVA

Be not made a beggar by banqueting upon borrowing, when thou hast nothing in thy purse: for thou shalt lie in wait for thine own life, and be talked on.

We are accustomed to seeing homeless people on the street or by the freeways, so it is no surprise that they live as beggars. But do you know that one person who is always asking for something, usually money or even food? “Man, loan me a dollar?” Or every time you get something to eat “Let me get some of that” or “Can you spot me.” They may not be the typical person who stands on the freeway, yet, they do have a habit of always asking friends or family for something. They fulfill what the scripture above is saying; they banquet on borrowing and are made a beggar as a result. If you are that friend, you want to take time to evaluate if you ask for things in reason or if you are forming a habit of begging that one can identify if they ask someone else close to you. And it is especially made worse, when as the scripture mentions “when thou hast nothing in thy purse.” You don’t have any money, yet, you are always asking for something. This is something that someone who has to deal with this in a friend or family member will be annoyed by and get you hated. And ultimately as the scripture above states, “and be talked on.” People will complain about you. “Man he don’t never have no money.” “Man, she be quick to wanna come but always broke.” And some people may have favor on you and don’t want to hurt your feelings or leave you out, but people do reach their limits. Always taking from the pot but putting nothing in.

Sirach 40:30 KJVA

Begging is sweet in the mouth of the shameless: but in his belly there shall burn a fire.

It may seem like an individual that lives as a beggar is always skating by and getting food and or money when they need it but this is something that becomes a shameful lifestyle. And the biggest shame is how others begin to view you and treat you. It seems sweet at first but in time, it turns sour, as you will ultimately have to hear bitter words, need it be to your face or behind your back. And the only way you could comfortably continue in that lifestyle, is if you become shameless. You couldn’t care less as long as it gets you closer to what you want. And this can carry over into other areas as well. Even as we live in a golden age of social media influences, some of which may try to make a living banqueting on others to donate to them. Now all content and causes are not created equal but social media can blur the lines between alms deeds and donations, to begging and mooching off of people.

Sirach 40:29 KJVA

The life of him that dependeth on another man’s table is not to be counted for a life; for he polluteth himself with other men’s meat: but a wise man well nurtured will beware thereof.

If your life depends on another persons well being and what they earn, outside of what is deemed reasonable or necessary, like a spousal relationship or a parent child relationship, for example or adopting of a relative. That is not a life. It is not honorable, as the general nature of not only our people but of the world, is to work for a living and earn an honest wage. No matter how big or small, bring something to the table. Don’t just rely on a friend or stranger to carry you. Especially long term. And it is understandable to be down and out for a season. But a season shouldn’t turn into years. And even if it is a season let me do what I can to contribute and pitch in. Let me beware and avoid being in a position where I’m just laid up, watching tv, on social media, playing games regularly, off of someone else’s dime and hard work.

Psalm 37:25 KJV

I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

The first thing you have to evaluate if you are one who is in that situation, is what is your level of righteousness. Are you wicked or in a lukewarm state? Is there sin in your hands that is preventing you from prospering? You have to evaluate your life and see. As your condition could be a judgement or a test. But you always want to look at it as a judgement first and test second. To ensure you are in the right. Lest the situation is prolonged because you are not fixing the issue; the sin remains, therefore the problem remains.

Mark 10:46-52 KJVS

And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. [47] And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. [48] And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. [49] And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. [50] And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. [51] And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. [52] And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.

You don’t have to stay in that situation. And sometimes God has us in a low place so we may finally have a mind to seek him out. But it may take us getting to our low or this state of being, to have a mind to focus on seeking him. And when we do, he will heal us and our circumstances. As some are made beggars due to illnesses and sicknesses. But in these things you must seek The Most High as it may be a domino effect resulting from a sin or sins you have committed or are actively committing. Fast, pray and seek The Most High so he may heal you and direct your life and allow you to righteously prosper.

1 Samuel 2:7-9 KJVS

The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. [8] He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them. [9] He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.