Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context:Exploiting, in a biblical context, refers to the act of taking unfair advantage of others for personal gain. This can manifest in various forms, such as economic exploitation, social injustice, or manipulation. The Bible addresses the issue of exploitation by emphasizing justice, fairness, and the protection of the vulnerable.
Biblical References:1.
Economic Exploitation: The Bible frequently condemns the exploitation of the poor and vulnerable. In the Old Testament, the Law given to Israel includes numerous commands to protect the rights of the poor and to ensure fair treatment.
Leviticus 19:13 states, "You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. The wages of a hired worker must not remain with you until morning." This command underscores the importance of fair labor practices and timely payment, highlighting God's concern for justice in economic dealings.
2.
Social Injustice: The prophets often spoke out against social injustice and exploitation. In
Isaiah 10:1-2, the prophet declares, "Woe to those who enact unjust statutes and issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of justice and withhold the rights of the oppressed of My people, to make widows their prey and rob the fatherless." This passage illustrates God's condemnation of those who use their power to exploit and oppress the marginalized.
3.
Manipulation and Deceit: Exploitation can also occur through deceit and manipulation.
Proverbs 20:17 warns, "Food gained by fraud is sweet to a man, but later his mouth is full of gravel." This proverb highlights the temporary satisfaction that may come from exploiting others through deceitful means, but it ultimately leads to negative consequences.
4.
New Testament Teachings: The New Testament continues to emphasize the importance of treating others with fairness and love.
James 5:4 addresses the issue of exploiting workers: "Look, the wages you withheld from the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts." This passage serves as a reminder that God hears the cries of those who are exploited and will hold the oppressors accountable.
5.
Jesus' Example and Teachings: Jesus Christ exemplified a life of service and selflessness, standing in stark contrast to exploitation. In
Matthew 20:25-28, Jesus teaches, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." Jesus' teachings encourage His followers to reject exploitation and instead adopt a posture of humility and service.
Moral and Ethical Implications:The Bible's teachings on exploitation call believers to uphold justice, fairness, and compassion in all their dealings. Exploitation is fundamentally opposed to the biblical principles of love and respect for one's neighbor. Christians are encouraged to advocate for the oppressed, support fair practices, and live lives that reflect the character of Christ, who came to serve rather than to exploit.
Greek
3027. lestes -- a robber... 3027 ("a bandit, briard") is a thief -- an unscrupulous marauder (malefactor),
exploiting the vulnerable without hesitating to use violence.
...5423. phrenapates -- self-deceiving
... 5423 (from 5424 , "outlook from signt" and 538 , "deceive") -- properly, deceivers,
leading others into their -- especiallyexploiting those with a narrow mind...
Library
The Christian Society
... The Christian Society, composed of a body of persons associated for the common object
ofexploiting Jesus Christ and His principles, at first was almost wholly...
"He Hardened his Heart"
... Surely the Hathors wereexploiting themselves this day. Another opportunity for
good and what would come of it? Hotep knew the man with whom he dealt....
Leadership for Service
... religion turned into a law and a burden, in order to hold the people in obedience
to the interests of the leaders; pride and ambitionexploiting religion to...
The Inwardness of Prayer
... means of escape or relief. The holy Father can turn to His own account at
last even theexploiting egoism of youth. And He gives us...
Contradiction Between Our Life and Our Christian Conscience.
... professes to believe Christ's doctrine that we are all brothers, and that true merit
and dignity is to be found in serving one's neighbor, not inexploiting him...
The Fall of the Empire and of the Papacy
... Boniface recognised the importance ofexploiting the popular feeling, and after
a mock enquiry he issued a bull promising generous indulgences to all who...
Significance of Compulsory Service.
... There are other governments,exploiting their subjects by violence in the same way,
and always ready to pounce down on any other government and carry off the...
The Ceaselessness of Prayer
... fervent, effectual prayer. You may be butexploiting a mighty power; whereas
you must be in real contact with the real God. It is...
Standing with the People
... is heavily clouded and uncertain; but our faith still holds that even the great
disaster will help ultimately to weaken the despotic andexploiting forces, and...
The Kingdom of God: Its Tasks
... What have all our social studies been for in the design of God? To fit ourselves
forexploiting our fellows or to show them the way to the Kingdom of God?...
Thesaurus
Exploiting (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Exploiting (1 Occurrence). James 2:6 But you have
dishonored the poor man. Don't the rich oppress you, and
...Exploits (8 Occurrences)
Exploited (1 Occurrence)
Empire (8 Occurrences)
... tried to grasp it. But it was Julius Caesar who best succeeded inexploiting
democracy for his own aggrandizement. He proved the...
Roman (26 Occurrences)
... tried to grasp it. But it was Julius Caesar who best succeeded inexploiting
democracy for his own aggrandizement. He proved the...
Christianity
... tried to grasp it. But it was Julius Caesar who best succeeded inexploiting
democracy for his own aggrandizement. He proved the...
Resources
Is the king of Tyre prophecy in Ezekiel 28 referring to Satan? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the money changers in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about social justice? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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