What does the Bible say about needy?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that God hears the needy, defends them against oppression, and calls his people to reflect his mercy through generous, just, and willing care. Psalm 12:5 declares that the Lord rises because of the poor and afflicted, while Psalm 82:3-4 commands rulers and all God’s people to uphold the weak, fatherless, poor, and oppressed. Deuteronomy 15:7-11 forbids hard-heartedness toward a needy brother, and Proverbs 19:17 says that kindness to the poor is lending to the Lord. Jesus calls his disciples to treasure heaven above possessions by giving freely to those in need (Luke 12:33). God himself is a refuge for the poor (Isaiah 25:4), and his grace should shape our compassion.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Psalms 12:5
"Because of the oppression of the weak and because of the groaning of the needy, I will now arise," says Yahweh; "I will set him in safety from those who malign him."
- Proverbs 19:17
He who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh; He will reward him.
- Luke 12:33
Sell that which you have, and give gifts to the needy. Make for yourselves purses which don't grow old, a treasure in the heavens that doesn't fail, where no thief approaches, neither moth destroys.
- Psalms 82:3-4
[3] "Defend the weak, the poor, and the fatherless. Maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. [4] Rescue the weak and needy. Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked."
- Deuteronomy 15:7-11
[7] If there be with you a poor man, one of your brothers, within any of your gates in your land which Yahweh your God gives you, you shall not harden your heart, nor shut your hand from your poor brother; [8] but you shall surely open your hand to him, and shall surely lend him sufficient for his need [in that] which he wants. [9] Beware that there not be a base thought in your heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and your eye be evil against your poor brother, and you give him nothing; and he cry to Yahweh against you, and it be sin to you. [10] You shall surely give him, and your heart shall not be grieved when you give to him; because that for this thing Yahweh your God will bless you in all your work, and in all that you put your hand to. [11] For the poor will never cease out of the land: therefore I command you, saying, You shall surely open your hand to your brother, to your needy, and to your poor, in your land.
- Isaiah 25:4
For you have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat, when the blast of the awesome ones is as a storm against the wall.
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