Taking advantage of others, especially when they are weak, powerless, vulnerable, and defenseless is a base or wicked or unworthy thought in the Bible. The world may interpret it as a business sense, which is incorrect. “Take care lest there be an unworthy thought in your heart and you say, ‘The seventh year, the year of release is near,’ and your eye look grudgingly on your poor brother, and you give him nothing, and he cries to the Lord against you, and you be guilty of sin. (Deuteronomy 15:9)
Grudge: Having a grudging perspective is selfishness. Why should I be kind or generous to others? Like Cain, selfish people ask, Am I my brother’s keeper or sustainer or succorer? (Genesis 4:9) A Grudge is an attitude of indifference to others’ pain, suffering, and agony.
Poor: Poor people are generally powerless and defenseless and, hence could be mistreated. When a person is sick, which means he is health-wise poor, it is possible to take advantage by giving loans for medical treatment with exorbitant interest. Getting documents signed by a person without legal knowledge, and depriving him of his assets is another example.
Give nothing: The poor are oppressed by exploiting their weakness and vulnerability. Moses warns against undervaluing the assets, thus depriving them of their legitimate income. First, they are not generous. Second, they do not give what is reasonable. Third, they fail to do good, even when they have the power, authority, capacity, and privilege to do that. (James 4:17)
Cry of the poor: The poor people when they suffer due to human oppression, cry for justice unto God. They may not know the true living God but appeal to their creator. Their appeal is heard, and the oppressors are judged as guilty and would be punished.
Guilty of sin: God is Sovereign, Holy, and Just God. Nothing escapes his scrutiny as His eyes go through the earth rewarding the righteous and punishing the guilty who have worthless thoughts. (II Chronicles 16:9)
Do I brood over unworthy and base thoughts or have Godly thoughts?