“A too great disproportion of wealth among citizens weakens any state; every person, if possible ought to enjoy the fruits of his labor, in a full possession of all the necessaries and many of the conveniences of life. No one can doubt but such an equality is more suitable to human nature, and diminishes much less from the happiness of the rich than it adds to that of the poor.”
David Hume (1711-1776) an historian from Edinburgh, Scotland, in Day’s Collacon compiled and arranged by Edward Parsons Day (New York: IPPO, 1884) 1013.
Hume draws on biblical language in his assessment of the wealthy and the poor. For example, he echoes 1 Timothy 6:17 in saying that people should “enjoy” the fruit of their labor. Also, in stating that “equality” is more suitable, he employs the same terminology that Paul uses in 2 Corinthians 8:13 with regard to the voluntary collection for the starving saints in Jerusalem.
We must not misinterpret Hume as advocating for socialism. Socialism is a dreadful and oppressive ideology, because while it calls for sharing, the redistribution is dictated by fallen humans and required by law. Alternatively, the social flourishing that results from Christian community is driven by voluntary sharing that is motivated by love. That’s the pathway we must take!
Let us work hard, enjoy the fruit of our labor (including “necessaries” and “conveniences”), and rather than self-indulge in destructive luxury, let’s lovingly help the weak around us following the example and instructions of our Lord (cf. Acts 20:35). When we do, we will strengthen the social fabric of wherever it is that God has us living!