Malachi 3 (KJV)

1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.
2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:
3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.

5 And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the Lord of hosts.

7 Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?
8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation
10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

Wolves in Sheep's clothing love to share this passage.  They also like to mislead and take it out of context.  Vs 10, they want people to believe that all they have to do is pay their tithes and give offering monetary as well and God will bless them.  And if they don't, then God will not open heaven's gates to them.  Will elaborate on this more a little later.  You have to read the whole Bible, not small sections.  Remember, the Bible in the wrong hands can be used as a deadly weapon. ~ Karmen

18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

1 Samuel 15 (KJV)

22 And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity (wickedness) and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

Obeying God's word will always take precedence over any sacrifice.  This includes tithes. ~ Karmen

24 And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.
25 Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the Lord.

26 And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord hath rejected thee from being king over Israel.
27 And as Samuel turned about to go away, he laid hold upon the skirt of his mantle, and it rent.
28 And Samuel said unto him, The Lord hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou.

35 And Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death: nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul: and the Lord repented (apologized to himself) that he had made Saul king over Israel.

Luke 18 (KJV)

10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican (tax man).

11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth (promotes) himself shall be abased (humiliated); and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted (promoted).

17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.

20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.

21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.

22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.

24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

26 And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved?

27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

Unemployed Christian and Tithes (The Poor in the Congregation)

Luke 18 (KJV)

18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.
20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.
21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.
22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.
24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
26 And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved?




Romans 12 (KJV)

13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.




1 Timothy 5 (KJV)

8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel (one without faith).



James 2 (KJV)

1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect (showing favoritism)  of persons.

2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile ( extremely unpleasant) raiment (clothes);

3 And ye have respect(showing favoritism) to him that weareth the gay (sparkling) clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?




2 Corinthians 9 (KJV)

10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;
14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

When we give our tithes it should also help our Sisters and Brothers in Christ that are in need and it should be enough to give to the lost as well.  It should win people over to Christ.  Our generosity should be towards one another.  God will be glorified because people will be able to see him working through us via our giving with a willing heart towards one another ~ Karmen



Matthew 23 (KJV)

23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 

Tithes and Obedience to the Word of God, Go Hand in Hand.  Paying your tithes though does not take precedence over obeying the word of God is not righteous. ~ Karmen

2 Corinthians 9 (KJV)

6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

When one gives, it should be from their heart willingly, not from pressure or bitterness. ~ Karmen

8 And God is able to make all grace abound (exist in large numbers or amounts.) toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound (exist in large numbers or amounts.) to every good work:
9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.




Galatians 6 (KJV)

10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.


Do good to all especially your Sisters and Brothers in Christ ~ Karmen




Proverbs 19 (KJV)

4 Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.

7 All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.

17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.




Proverbs 22 (KJV)

2 The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all.

9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

16 He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.

22 Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:

Proverbs 17 (KJV)

5 Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth (address someone in such a way as to express disapproval or disappointment.)  his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities ( an event causing great and often sudden damage or distress; a disaster.) shall not be unpunished.




Proverbs 27 (KJV)

24 For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?



Proverbs 14 (KJV)

20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.
21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.

31 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth (address (someone) in such a way as to express disapproval or disappointment.) his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.




Proverbs 18 (KJV)

23 The poor useth intreaties (beg, beseech); but the rich answereth roughly.




1 Corinthians 12 (KJV)

26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

There is just no way that the poor in the congregation or the unemployed in the congregation should be treated without any regard to this scripture.  All should be in low spirits when a Brother or Sister in Christ is hurting financially.  We should be able to provide resources for our family (Fellow Christians).  No Excuses!!!  Also, when there is a loss or failure, all should take the responsibility;not just one.  And when there is a victory or win, all should be praised; not just one ~ Karmen

Below: Don't get it twisted.  The scripture did make reference to whom the poor were.      Don't forget to include your own Brother and Sister in Christ.  Those of us who practice Christianity should be convicted when reading this if we turn away our own in their time of need.  We need to repent and get humbled.  Anyone of us can be put in this situation. ~ Karmen

Matthew 25 (KJV)

32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.




1 Peter 5 (KJV)

2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre (money, esp. when regarded as sordid or distasteful or gained in a dishonorable way.
"officials getting their hands grubby with filthy lucre" ,) but of a ready mind;




1 John 3 (KJV)

17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?




James 2 (KJV)

15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

16 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?




Proverbs 3 (KJV)

9 Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.




Proverbs 21 (KJV )

13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

Job 31 (KJV)

16 If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail;
17 Or have eaten my morsel myself alone, and the fatherless hath not eaten thereof;
19 If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering;
20 If his loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep;
21 If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate:
22 Then let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade, and mine arm be broken from the bone.

Proverbs 28 (KJV)

3 A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse (stubborn) in his ways, though he be rich.

15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

Financial prosperity or spiritual prosperity, which one? can't be both... ~ Karmen

Matthew 6 (KJV)

24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon ( is material wealth or greed).

Again, not my opinion...what does the bible say....not Pastor or Deacon or Reverend. What does the bible say about financial prosperity and spiritual prosperity? You can't serve both. So when you look at this photo above...which is being served? ~ Karmen

Keep in mind: 

Matthew 6 (KJV)

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Mark 12 (KJV)

41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.

42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites (A very small contribution or amount of money. A coin of very small value.), which make a farthing (a former monetary unit and coin of the UK, withdrawn in 1961, equal to a quarter of an old penny. the least possible amount.).

43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:

44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.