Why does poverty seem to run rampant in certain families? Is poverty a generational curse? Can the curse of poverty be reversed?
In 2016 the Chicago Cubs apparently broke a curse off of their team. They had not won a world series since before World War I. Fans watched the “curse” unfold before their eyes in 1984, 1989, and 2003. The curse was reversed by drafting and developing better players and signing supreme talent.
There was no curse on the Cubs or the Red Sox or any other team.
Poverty is not a generational curse. It’s a learned behavior. Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law. Jesus disarmed principalities and powers. He openly shamed them through His victory at Calvary. Plus, I’m not certain that poverty was part of the curse of the law as some declare. God has given us the power to get wealth. He has indicated that He will teach us to profit. If we’re struggling financially (in the United States) it’s on us. We’re the problem.
Poverty In The United States
Poverty is a relative term. Even the poorest in the USA are not dealing with poverty like our brothers and sisters in Haiti, Sierra Leone, and Afghanistan. Using an iPhone 6 instead of a new model is not legitimate poverty.
Poverty, in this sense, is simply the inability to make financial progress. Certain families earn less than other families. Breaking the cycle of living paycheck-to-paycheck seems impossible. They are unprepared for retirement.
However, most have adequate food, clothing, shelter, and transportation. Others are living like Instagram influencers. They experience a life of financial frustration.
Life seems unfair to them. Blaming the rich is an easy way out but it’s simply an inaccurate statement. Lying to ourselves is one of the worst things we can do.
The rich are not keeping broke people down financially. There is not a curse on your life keeping you from gaining financial ground.
Plus, if you live in the United States you basically have already won the economic lottery.
What Does The Bible Say About Poverty
Being broke is not fun. As soon as we stop blaming others we can get on the financial mend. If you’re persuaded that there is nothing you can do to get ahead then you’re right. Those who believe that they can get ahead are correct as well.
Here are five Bible verses about poverty. Surely you won’t argue with God?
Proverbs 10:4 Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.
Solomon compares and contrasts laziness and diligence. Laziness leads to poverty and diligence brings wealth.
Proverbs 11:24 One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly but comes to poverty.
Stingy people, for the most part, are broke and generous people are blessed.
Proverbs 13:18 Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.
If you go home and blame your boss for everything you will die poor. Perhaps God is teaching you how to submit to authority? Just a thought.
Proverbs 14:23 All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
There is no such thing as a dead-end job. Get off your duff and do get your hands dirty. When you’ve mastered that job go to another. Keep climbing and each step will bring more and more profit.
Proverbs 21:5 The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.
Budget God’s money.
Poverty is often the result of laziness, pride, greed, and a lack of planning and proper execution.
Don’t argue with me, God said it!
Five Ways to Reverse The Curse of Poverty
I’ve already stated that I don’t believe in the curse of poverty. Generational curses are an overspiritualization of natural issues.
Obese people often have overweight dogs. Broke people who refuse to change bad habits stay broke — even for generations.
“Everyone must choose one of two pains: The pain of discipline or the pain of regret” — Jim Rohn
#1 Tweak Your Philosophy
What do you think about money? If you believe that money is sinful you will self-sabotage any positive efforts.
Money is a funny topic in most churches. It’s a topic of extremes. The Word of Faith movement incorrectly teaches that riches are a sign of God’s favor.
Some legacy denominations teach that money and God should not be mentioned in the same sentence. Most of their members are wealthy. The difference? They earned wealth through education and diligence. That concept is too close to violating Deuteronomy 8:17 for my comfort.
Still, others think wealth is evil and that God prefers His children to be poor.
Spend some time in the Book and be a good Berean.
#2 Demolish the Stronghold of Poverty
Stronghold is a military term. Think of a fortress in medieval times.
Errant thoughts accomplish the same thing. Brick by brick unchecked thoughts develop into an impenetrable stronghold. Strongholds are built slowly. As such the development is often unnoticed — until it’s too late.
Bad thoughts lead to bad actions. When actions are bad the results are bad.
How is the cycle broken?
2 Corinthians 10:3-6 (ESV) For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.
Test your financial thoughts against the Word. Is the thought contrary to what you know about the character of God? If so take it captive so to speak. Punish the thought in prayer and Bible verses.
This can be challenging but it’s necessary.
There are many in the United States who must demolish the stronghold of poverty. Others in nations such as Haiti do not. They are simply in a country where wealth creation is challenging.
#3 Work Hard
There is no such thing as a dead-end job.
Diligence is rewarded.
Laziness is punished.
#4 Curb Negative Talk
Complainers are typically financially frustrated.
Psalm 141:3 Lord, set up a guard for my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.
Resist murmuring, complaining, and gossiping. None of these activities are profitable.
#5 Practice Radical Generosity
Generous people are blessed. Stingy people are miserable.
Even the legitimately poor can be generous. Leave a shopping cart for a person at Aldi. Drop a few coins in a homeless person’s contribution cup.
Don’t ever think that you must buy a hospital wing to be considered generous.
Do what you can when you can. God sees and He knows. What others think does not matter.
Is Poverty A Generational Curse?
I’m often asked, “is poverty a generational curse?” by curious Christians. No, poverty is not a generational curse. However, it’s not some abstract idea. Many families must contend with inadequate resources. I’ve been there. There is a way to overcome this challenge.
You got this!