THE WHYS OF POVERTY: IT’S MORE THAN JUST MONEY. BY FABIÁN MASSA

 

Is someone poor because they don’t have money—or because they don’t know how to generate it? Poverty is a complex issue. Reducing it to a single cause oversimplifies a reality shaped by economic, emotional, cultural, and spiritual dimensions. Let’s explore the deeper layers behind what it means to be poor.

💸 Lack of Money: The Visible Symptom

The most common definition of poverty is the absence of financial resources to meet basic needs. But that doesn’t explain why someone lacks money. That’s where other factors come into play.

🧠 Lack of Knowledge or Skills

Many people haven’t had access to basic education, financial literacy, job training, or support networks. Even knowing how to earn money doesn’t guarantee the ability to do so. Structural barriers often stand in the way.

 

🏛️ Structural Factors: Context Matters

Social inequality, discrimination, unfair policies, and lack of opportunity all contribute. Someone may have talent and education, but live in an area with no jobs, no access to credit, or in conditions of exclusion. Some have learned to survive—but not to thrive—because no one ever showed them it was possible.

 

🧠 Emotional and Cultural Dimensions

Poverty can also be tied to limiting beliefs, generational trauma, or environments that don’t encourage personal growth. Ideologies like “fighting capitalism” or religious phrases like “store up treasures in heaven” may lead to resignation or rejection of economic progress. Challenging these beliefs doesn’t mean attacking spirituality—it means questioning interpretations that hinder development. It’s like pruning a tree: removing what blocks growth without uprooting the roots that nourish.

 

📖 Rethinking Biblical Phrases

“It’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle…”

Biblical context: Spoken by Jesus to a wealthy young man. The issue isn’t wealth itself, but attachment to it. Historical context: In first-century Palestine, wealth was concentrated among elites who exploited others. Modern interpretation: The “eye of the needle” symbolizes inner transformation. Building wealth with social awareness can be a form of active spirituality.

 

“Blessed are the poor in spirit…”

Original meaning: A message of dignity for the marginalized—not a glorification of poverty. Limiting view today: “If I’m poor, that’s okay—I’ll be rewarded in the afterlife.” Empowering view: A call for social justice. Poverty isn’t a virtue, but humility and solidarity are—and they can coexist with prosperity.

 

“Money is the root of all evil”

Actual quote: “For the love of money is the root of all evil.” Limiting belief: Demonizing money as corrupt or unspiritual. Modern view: Money is a tool. What matters is how it’s earned and used. A healthy relationship with money involves ethics, purpose, and financial education.

 

📚 What Kind of Education Can Transform Lives?

Biblical literacy: Teach people to read scripture with historical context (exegesis) and apply it to today (hermeneutics).

Financial education: Learn to manage money, save, invest, and avoid unnecessary debt.

Emotional education: Build self-awareness, resilience, and confidence.

Technical or vocational training: Gain skills that open doors to employment and entrepreneurship.

Civic and values education: Promote empathy, respect, and community engagement.

Creative and critical thinking: Empower people to question, create, and solve problems.

🌟 Why Is This So Important?

Because education doesn’t just provide tools—it transforms how people see themselves and the world. An educated person can shift from feeling like a victim of circumstance to becoming the author of their own story. And the best part? When one person gets educated, they uplift those around them. It’s like lighting a spark that can illuminate an entire community.