What does the Bible say about beneficence?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that God calls his people to generous, timely, and compassionate care for those in need, reflecting his own mercy and trusting his provision. Deuteronomy 15:7-18 forbids hardheartedness toward the poor and commands openhanded giving, while Leviticus 25:35-43 urges support for impoverished brothers without exploiting them. Proverbs commends sharing available goods, blessing the generous, and feeding even an enemy. Psalms 41:1 and 112:9 praise those who consider the weak and give freely. Such beneficence is not a means of earning salvation, but the grateful fruit of faith in the God who has richly given to us in Christ.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- General scriptures concerning Deuteronomy 15:7-18; Leviticus 25:35-43; Psalms 41:1; Psalms 112:9; Proverbs 3:27; Proverbs 3:28; Proverbs 11:25; Proverbs 22:9; Proverbs 25:21; Proverbs 25:22; Proverbs 28:27; Isaiah 58:6
- See ALMS
- See LIBERALITY
- See POOR, DUTIES TO
- See RICH
- See RICHES
- INSTANCES OF
- The old man of Gibeah Judges 19:16-21
- Boaz Ruth 2
- The Jews who returned from the exile Nehemiah 5:8-12; Nehemiah 8:10; Nehemiah 8:11
- Job Job 29:11-17; Job 31:16-23
- The Temanites Isaiah 21:14
- The Good Samaritan Luke 10:33-35
- Zacchaeus Luke 19:8
- The first Christians Acts 2:44-46; Acts 4:32-37
- Cornelius Acts 10:2; Acts 10:4
- Onesiphorus 2 Timothy 1:16-18
- See ALMS
- See POOR, DUTY TO
See also
Go deeper
Ask Explain Bible AI about beneficence and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.
Ask what the Bible says about beneficence