What does the Bible say about the poor?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that God calls his people to compassionate, generous care for the poor, treating such mercy as service rendered to him. Proverbs 19:17 says that lending to the poor is like lending to the Lord, while Proverbs 14:31 warns that oppressing the needy dishonors their Maker. Jesus commands willing generosity in Matthew 5:42 and urges his followers to store treasure in heaven by giving to those in need in Luke 12:33. Yet giving is not a means of earning salvation, but the grateful fruit of faith: 1 John 3:17 teaches that God’s love moves believers to meet practical needs, and 2 Corinthians 9:7 calls for cheerful, voluntary giving.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Proverbs 19:17 5 votes
- Luke 12:33 3 votes
- 1 John 3:17 3 votes
- Proverbs 22:9 3 votes
- Proverbs 14:31 3 votes
- Acts 20:35 2 votes
- Matthew 5:42 2 votes
- Proverbs 28:27 2 votes
- 2 Corinthians 9:7 2 votes
- Matthew 19:21 2 votes
Related topics
Go deeper
Ask Explain Bible AI about the poor and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.
Ask what the Bible says about the poor