What does the Bible say about poor people?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible calls God’s people to show compassionate, practical generosity toward the poor, honoring their dignity and trusting God’s care for all. Scripture recognizes that poverty will remain in this fallen world, yet commands openhanded mercy rather than indifference (Deuteronomy 15:11). To give to the needy is to serve the Lord Himself (Proverbs 19:17), while oppression and contempt for the poor dishonor their Maker (Proverbs 14:31). The righteous seek justice and share what they have (Proverbs 29:7; Proverbs 22:9; 1 John 3:17). Jesus especially comforts the poor and hungry with the promise of God’s kingdom, calling His disciples to treasure heaven above possessions (Luke 6:20-21; Luke 12:33).
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Proverbs 19:17
He who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh; He will reward him.
- Deuteronomy 15:11
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.
- Proverbs 14:31
He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for his Maker, But he who is kind to the needy honors him.
- 1 John 3:17
But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and closes his heart of compassion against him, how does the love of God remain in him?
- Proverbs 29:7
The righteous care about justice for the poor. The wicked aren't concerned about knowledge.
- Matthew 5:3
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
- Luke 6:20-21
[20] He lifted up his eyes to his disciples, and said, "Blessed are you who are poor, For yours is the Kingdom of God. [21] Blessed are you who hunger now, For you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, For you will laugh.
- Proverbs 22:9
He who has a generous eye will be blessed; For he shares his food with the poor.
- 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.
- Proverbs 14:21
He who despises his neighbor sins, But blessed is he who has pity on the poor.
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