As a pastor I want to move from foolish ways of living to wise ways of living and I want to help those who are part of church family to do the same.That is a very basic goal.I and the other leaders in my church have a responsibility to think and pray about discipling my church family to become more wise and when I think about learning and teaching wisdom one of the go to books has to be the book of Proverbs. Proverbs is a book given by God to help us know how to live wise lives in this world.And one of the characteristics that the writer of Proverbs makes clear distinguishes a wise person from an unwise person is his concern for the poor. We certainly could discuss who these poor are specifically and how we ought best to show real concern for them, but let me identify several reasons from the book of Proverbs why I want to help my congregation have at least some concern for those who are suffering:1. I love my people and I want the best for them.Proverbs 11:17 “The merciful man does himself good, but the cruel man does himself harm.”Proverbs 11:25 “The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered.” Proverbs 11:27 “He who diligently seeks good seeks favor, but he who searches after evil, it will come to him.” Proverbs 21:8 “He who increases his wealth by interest and usury, gathers it for him who is gracious to the poor.” Proverbs 21:13 “He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be answered.” Proverbs 28:27 “He who gives to the poor will never want, but he who shuts his eyes will have many curses.”2. I love my people and I want them to be happy.Proverbs 14:21 “He who despises his neighbor sins, but happy is he who is gracious to the poor.”Proverbs 21:99 “He who is generous will be blessed for he gives some of his food to the poor.”3. I love my people and I want them to honor God.Proverbs 14:31 “He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he who is gracious to the needy honors Him.”Proverbs 19:17 “He who is gracious to a poor man lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his good deed.”4. I love my people I and I want them to be righteous.Proverbs 19:22 “What is desirable in a man is his kindness, and it is better to be a poor man than a liar.”Proverbs 21:3 “To do righteousness and justice is desired by the Lord rather than sacrifice.”Proverbs 29:7 “The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor, the wicked does not understand such concern.”