How do you become poor in spirit or how do you know you are?

Answer 1

being poor in spirit means that you are humble

Answer 2

The construction of that sentence involves a "translator's choice" verb. The choices are dative, locative or instrumental. So you would translate it either "to", "in" or give it the sense of "by means of" (instrumentality).

The KJV writers chose the dative concept of poor "in" spirit, and because of the clumsiness posed by translating the instrumental case, all the other translators simply went with "to".

That really doesn't make it right. I would have given it an instrumental spin, like "poor by the leading of the Spirit" or poor because of their obedience to the Spirit. That makes alot more sense, but the words to make it work in English aren't there in the original language, so the case could be made that it's more a paraphrase than a translation. And that would be right!

That's why studying the original language is so important.

Answer 3

Your reading in Matt. 5:3. Its speaking of someone who has a teachable spirit or attitude. They're repented, and they believe that God will do what He says. Read Isa. 66:2 "contrite spirit" also Ps. 25:9 & Ps 51:17 a broken spirit. This goes with Matt. 5:5.
In fact the sermon on the mount is what a christian should strive for. Not just one thing but all of it. Which you'll never be perfect at in this life time.

Answer 4

Boy, KITKAT sure had a lot to say on your question. Reading that response was enlightening to say the least, and frankly right on the money, so to speak.
Allow me however, to put a little different spin on what constitutes "poor in spirit".
Read Gandhi Seven social sins:
1. Politics without principal
2. Wealth without work
3. Commerce without morality
4. Pleasure without conscience
5. Education without character
6. Science without Humanity
7. Worship without sacrifice
Think about each of these and put then in line with KIT_KAT response.
Each one of these represents the human spirit and what we would hope to achieve in our mortal exsistance. Politics without principal brings up places like Somalia. Wealth without work conjures up Paris Hilton.
Commerce without Morality brings up three mile island.
Look into yourself, and picture how life would be with all of humanity following these guides to pure spirit and then add that to Jesus purpose and teachings.
So to your question;
If you could be the "one in charge" how would your heart and conscience tell you to make decisons? Selfish, as Paris Hilton, Eliminate an entire race of people because they don't agree with your ideals, or would you continue to create wastelands in order to prosper your wealth?
My guess is that you would do what is right and that would show that you are not "poor in spirit". Maybe just a little naive, or a bit inexperienced.
Do you only think of yourself when making a decsion? Are you the only thing that matters in your small world? Are you ready to sacrifice anyone or anything to prove a point or to win?
Ask yourself these questions and if you answer yes to anyone of them, then you need a serious reality check. Is this how you want to be remembered when you die?
Most of us do not, so my guess is you really need to consider the consequences of your actions, learn and grow, showing that you are better than you expect of yourself.

Answer 5

You are poor when you have not stored up treasure; true in finances as well as spirituality.

Colossians 2:2-4
2My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.

1 Timothy 6:18-20
18Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

20Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge,



In Christianity, you establish citizenship in God's Kingdom when you accept the free gift of Salvation. However, though you can not lose Salvation, you may still be spiritually poor.

Gaining wisdom and knowledge in study of the scriptures, and applying what you learn in the form of good works that benefit others results in "heavenly treasure."

So are you rich in wisdom, knowledge and deeds? If not, then you are no doubt spiritually poor. A feeling of uselessness accompanies a spirit that has not laid up for itself treasure in heaven.

Accept the gift, it is the beginning.

Answer 6

It means that your relationship with the Lord has begun to deteriorate. Life will become increasing less pleasant as you experience the consequences of your ways. But it is not difficult to get back on tract. Pray, repent, and read his word!

Answer 7

If you can think of something to make you feel better, you're still rich in spirit.

Answer 8

I bought too many spirits and had mine repossessed...
I received a notice that my spirit would be taxed

Answer 9

poor in spirit?

If your spirit is soaring, then you are not poor in spirit.

These daays, you might think of "depression" as being poor in spirit.

Answer 10

are you higher than the next man? how about the poor guy in the alley? Do you condecsend?