In the face of exploitation, believers are called to trust in God's wisdom and guidance. According to James, those who lack wisdom should ask God, who gives generously to all, without finding fault. As Jesus taught in Matthew and Luke, His followers are to be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves, treating others the way they wish to be treated. The apostle Paul also warns against taking advantage of or wronging one another in 1 Thessalonians, emphasizing the importance of living honorably and with integrity, as revealed through the prophetic words of Revelation.
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Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
and no one should ever violate or exploit his brother in this regard, because the Lord will avenge all such acts, as we have already told you and solemnly warned you.
This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon come to pass. He made it known by sending His angel to His servant John,
On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.”
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.
If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil.