I thought it was an interesting idea but I also thought a huge commitment, so I decided to do the Bible in 90 days from the Youversion Bible app. Probably why I'm still need to lose 15 pounds because my commitment level might not be high enough.

Any way.

The other day I was listening in Proverbs. I think it was on day 47, and heard the following words. "It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor"

It was one of those moments and thoughts that has stuck with me for a while.

I think because, even though I had read that verse numerous times in the past, I never heard it quite like that before.

And its been ruminating in my brain for a few days now.

Maybe it was because I was more familiar with the Bible version that says Whoever despises his neighbour is a sinner.

I don't think I despised anyone so maybe I had always felt pretty safe.

Specific to this verse anyway.

Other areas maybe not so much but I really didn't think I despised anyone.

But this new reading said belittle so that requires some thought. And what was the context. What was my context too.

I think the whole of this proverb includes the previous verse as well. It says

"The poor are despised even by their neighbours, while the rich have many "friends"

then the line i mentioned "it is a sin to belittle one's neighbour: blessed are those who help the poor."

There is that word again. Despise and again I don't think I despise the poor.

But I really need to ask myself how does this apply to me today.

I'm not a bible scholar and for sure don't know anything about the ancient Hebrew language these words were originally written in but I do know the people who devote their lives to doing these translations work very hard at providing a true interpretation of what the meaning is so I checked out a couple of other versions.

Like the English Standard Version, NIV. Maybe you don't really care about that but I find it helpful.

I also like to read verses like this in The Message. Which tries to interpret both the words and context into what is meaningful to our society and culture today.

it goes like this;

"An unlucky loser is shunned by all, But everyone loves a winner.

It's criminal to ignore a neighbor in need, But compassion for the poor what a blessing."

What does it mean to despise someone? That's a pretty strong word and Merriam Webster defines it as "to look down on with disrespect or aversion. or to regard as negligible, worthless, or distasteful.

What does it mean to belittle someone? Again, Merriam Webster defines "To speak slightingly of:Disparage, To cause a person to seem little or less. It is interesting to note that the tactic of belittling someone is an really an attempt to control or manipulate them.

Who are the poor? When I look at who I think is poor I recognize this can be a very subjective term and our interpretation could be largely swayed by our personal bias but in this context it appears the poor would be anyone who has lost something and very broadly someone in need.

Who are the Rich? Again we could use our own subjective definition but I would like to offer that many of us who live in Canada are what the majority of the world would consider rich. We could also say the Rich are those who think they are entitled. A term I have heard used for some of the younger generations but our reality is it is easy to get accustomed to our comfortable lifestyle and to mistake what I am privileged to have for something I have a right to.

This is the difficult part of these thoughts. I have to ask myself, Really, we all should ask our-self, If this is true, how does it change the way I act toward my fellow human?

Personally, I can think of a lot of places where I can do better. Particularly when it comes to our discussions and actions on pandemics, mandates, politics, indigenous people issues, racial tensions, Mental Health and homelessness. And how about Social Media?

There would be lots more that could be said on these issues but the clearest direction I think we have is to always remember what Jesus asked and expected us to do. Love God with all your heart mind and strength and to Love your neighbour as yourself. This is accomplished, in part, when we show dignity and respect to whomever we meet in our daily walk through this life.

Thanks for taking the time to stop by.