Psalm 140:12 - I know that the LORD secures justice

I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.

I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor.

I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted And justice for the poor.

Psalm 140:12

Commentary

This and the following three psalms are linked to the difficulties that David faced in his lifetime. This psalm deals with how David is coping with slander and this verse reveals how David copes with the anxiety that grips his soul: He knows that the Lord sees his trouble. He knows that the God he serves cares for the poor and needy. It is this knowledge that strengthens David to press on. It is God's faithfulness that helps David to see beyond the storm that is surrounding him.

Today's commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, Grace NYC

James 2:15-17 - Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food...

Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and be filled," and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.

Deuteronomy 8:10

Commentary

The Scripture gives us a mandate to take care of those around us. It implies that we have the knowledge of those around us to know what their financial wellbeing. This is a passage addressing community as much as charity. We have a responsibility to be in a community that looks after the needs of each other.

Today's commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, Grace NYC