Jehovah's Witnesses Straight Talk - Forum/Blog

November 09, 2019

“Preaching moral injustice while pursuing, wealth, fame, and power, is like a violent predator devouring its victims!”

2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might become rich.
James 2:5 Listen, my beloved brothers. Didn't God choose those who are poor in this world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the Kingdom which he promised to those who love him?

James 2:6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Don't the rich oppress you, and personally drag you before the courts?

Revelation 3:17 Because you say, 'I am rich, and have gotten riches, and have need of nothing;' and don't know that you are the wretched one, miserable, poor, blind, and naked;

Luke 14:13 But when you make a feast, ask the poor, the maimed, the lame, or the blind;

Facts: Often, government programs aimed at helping the poor do more harm than good. Unfortunately, many of these programs foster long term dependence. The Heritage Foundation has found that the majority of those who receive food stamps are long term unemployed dependents who have been on the program for many years or even decades. Ultimately, long-term welfare payments undermine work ethic. When you subsidize something, you will get more of it. Sadly, children raised in families on welfare are far more likely to remain dependent on government handouts throughout their adulthood. A study by Mary Corcoran and Roger Gordon at the University of Michigan found that holding multiple social variables constant, “receipt of welfare income has negative effects on the long-term employment and earnings capacity of young boys.”

Instead, we should strive for a society where all individuals are able to attain self sufficiency and economic independence. Congress should seek to reform government programs to increase personal responsibility and promote employment. In the end, the poor are much more likely to gain confidence and skills by earning their paycheck rather than receiving a government handout.