Where the Lilies Bloom shows how ambitious, intelligent people can be caught in the downward pull of poverty by factors beyond their control, such as illness, a poor local economy, or unfair land division. The novel also explores the potential abuses of the tenant farming system. The Cleavers never blame the true victims of poverty, but they criticize people who abuse the welfare system.

Parents or teachers should discuss the Luthers' extreme views on charity with young readers. The Luthers feel that charity is "seldom of real service to those upon whom it is bestowed and those who receive it are always looked upon with suspicion, every need and want scrutinized." Readers should be asked to decide how realistic this attitude is and to examine their own attitudes toward receiving and giving charity.

Another social issue raised by the Cleavers is that of children's rights. The...