Benjamin is now describing the nature of social divisions along economic lines. This argument presumes first that the needy are truly in need of food, and that there are those whose substance would allow them to help. What Benjamin tells us is that the way we react to these situations has spiritual implications for us. The example gives is one of self-justification. This is a person who is unwilling to share of his substance, and invents reasons to justify his selfishness. God will know those motives, and as indicated in verse 18, this is held as sin in the person who so justifies withholding his assistance.
Once again, we must presume that these conditions existed in Zarahemla prior to this convocation. Benjamin is addressing a particular example of the economic division among his people, and concludes that those who would do this have no place in the kingdom of God. Because Benjamin is intent on creating God’s kingdom here on earth – in Zarahemla, this is a very thinly veiled threat against those who would continue this type of economic divisiveness. If they have no place in God’s kingdom, they have no place in Benjamin’s kingdom.