Ecclesiastes 5:8 If you see the oppression of the poor, and the violent perversion of justice and righteousness in a province, do not marvel at the matter; for high official watches over high official, and higher officials are over them.

There is often banter about corruption in this country and other countries. Corruption comes from people who find themselves in positions of power. This corruption seems to get worse with the amount of power one finds themselves to have. Total power corrupts totally. Often what comes from corruption is oppression of those who find themselves in poverty. Promises are made and the poor are taken advantage of and abused in some fashion. This is a perversion of justice. Why does this matter?

1 Samuel 2:8 speaks of the Lord raising the poor, lifting the beggars and setting them among princes. They inherent the thrown of glory and God setting them as pillars. Psalms 9:18 says the poor will not be forgotten and their expectation shall not perish. The scriptures speak much about the poor. Corruption is an affront to people who have less money and prosperity. We are to uplift other people around us. This also includes those less fortunate. The Highest Official in this chain Solomon is speaking is God Himself.

Do not be greedy of gain. Be careful in how you treat those you climb over on the ladder of success. Treat every person well and do not think you will escape the woeful treatment of the less fortunate. Give of yourself and your money to help others in need. Treat people like people even if they do not meet your standards. We are all made in the image of God. You do not know if that person is actually one of the little ones given a cup of cold water spoken of in Matthew 10:42. Remember, walk in the example Jesus set for you.