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What does the Bible say about taking care of poor?

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The Bible teaches that God calls his people to show practical, willing, and compassionate care for the poor, reflecting his own mercy and justice. Proverbs 19:17 says that kindness to the poor is lending to the Lord, while Proverbs 14:31 warns that oppression of the needy dishonors their Maker. God commanded Israel to open their hands generously in Deuteronomy 15:7-8, and Isaiah 58:6-7 joins true worship with feeding and sheltering those in need. Jesus identifies himself with the needy in Matthew 25:34-40. Such generosity does not earn salvation, but flows from faith: 1 John 3:17-18 and James 2:15-16 insist that love must be expressed in deeds. Believers should therefore give cheerfully and faithfully, trusting God to provide.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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.

  • Proverbs 14:31

    He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for his Maker, But he who is kind to the needy honors him.

  • Galatians 2:10

    They only asked us to remember the poor--which very thing I was also zealous to do.

  • 1 John 3:17-18

    [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? [18] My little children, let's not love in word only, neither with the tongue only, but in deed and truth.

  • Proverbs 28:27

    One who gives to the poor has no lack; But one who closes his eyes will have many curses.

  • Matthew 25:34-40

    [34] Then the King will tell those on his right hand, 'Come, blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; [35] for I was hungry, and you gave me food to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me drink; I was a stranger, and you took me in; [36] naked, and you clothed me; I was sick, and you visited me; I was in prison, and you came to me.' [37] "Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry, and feed you; or thirsty, and give you a drink? [38] When did we see you as a stranger, and take you in; or naked, and clothe you? [39] When did we see you sick, or in prison, and come to you?' [40] "The King will answer them, 'Most assuredly I tell you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'

  • James 2:15-16

    [15] And if a brother or sister is naked and in lack of daily food, [16] and one of you tells them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled;" and yet you didn't give them the things the body needs, what good is it?

  • Isaiah 58:6-7

    [6] Isn't this the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? [7] Isn't it to deal your bread to the hungry, and that you bring the poor who are cast out to your house? when you see the naked, that you cover him; and that you not hide yourself from your own flesh?

  • Deuteronomy 15:7-8

    [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.

  • 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

    [6] Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. [7] Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart; not grudgingly, or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.

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