Benjamin is describing social divisions along economic lines. This argument assumes first that the needy are truly in need of food and that there are those in the society with abundant resources who could relieve that need. Furthermore, how people react to this socio-economic situation has spiritual implications. The example he gives is of self-justification—a person who is unwilling to share his substance and who invents reasons to justify his selfishness. Yahweh knows those motives and, as indicated in verse 18, attributes them as sin to the person who withholds assistance citing them.
Once again, we must assume that Benjamin is describing real conditions in Zarahemla and instructing his people in strong terms that those who perpetuate such economic divisions have no place in Yahweh’s kingdom. Because Benjamin is intent on creating Yahweh’s kingdom in Zarahemla, this warning is a very thinly veiled threat against the selfish. If they have no place in Yahweh’s kingdom, they have no place in Benjamin’s kingdom.