The Bible has a lot to say about poverty and how God views and cares for the poor. Here is an overview of some of the key biblical teachings on poverty and the poor:
God cares deeply for the poor
The Bible makes it clear that God has a special concern for the poor and vulnerable. He hears their cries and cares about their needs. For example:
- “The Lord hears the needy and does not despise his own people who are prisoners.” (Psalm 69:33)
- “The Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe. He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing.” (Deuteronomy 10:17-18)
- “Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.” (Proverbs 14:31)
Jesus also displayed special compassion for the poor and marginalized during his earthly ministry. He fed the hungry, healed the sick, and reached out to the social outcasts of his day.
God values the poor and warns against oppressing them
The Bible teaches that all people have value in God’s eyes, regardless of their economic status. Wealth does not make someone more important or worthy in God’s kingdom.
God also takes injustice against the poor very seriously. He warns against taking advantage of the vulnerable and exploiting the weak:
- “Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.” (Proverbs 14:31)
- “Do not rob the poor, because he is poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate.” (Proverbs 22:22)
- “Woe to those who decree iniquitous decrees, and the writers who keep writing oppression, to turn aside the needy from justice and to rob the poor of my people of their right, that widows may be their spoil, and that they may make the fatherless their prey!” (Isaiah 10:1-2)
God calls his people to defend and provide for the poor
Followers of God are expected to care for the poor and meet their needs. The Bible issues a mandate to generously give to those in need.
For example, Proverbs 31:8-9 says, “Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
The book of Isaiah rebukes Israel for failing to care for the poor and needy: “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? (Isaiah 58:6-7)
Jesus also said that those who feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and care for the needy are serving him: “‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'” (Matthew 25:40)
God promises to provide for those who trust in him
While poverty is often the result of sin, corruption, greed, and injustice in a fallen world, God does not abandon the poor. He promises to meet the needs of those who look to him in their distress.
David testified in Psalm 34:6, “This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.”
The apostle Paul said, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19).
Jesus taught his followers not to be anxious about their daily needs, promising that, “your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:32-33)
The poor are part of God’s kingdom and the recipients of the gospel
When Jesus began his ministry, he announced good news to the poor (Luke 4:18). The first disciples were poor themselves, like the fishermen Peter and John. James wrote that God has chosen the poor to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom (James 2:5).
The poor are special recipients of the gospel. Their needs often draw them humbly to the grace of God. Jesus declared the kingdom of God belongs to the poor in spirit who recognize their need for him (Matthew 5:3).
God holds the wealthy responsible to use their resources to help the poor
Those who have been blessed with resources are expected to be generous and share with those in need. As John wrote, “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” (1 John 3:17)
The early church saw giving to the poor as a core part of discipleship. The Jerusalem church shared everything they had and made sure distribution was made to any who had need (Acts 4:34-35).
Paul frequently organized collections from the Gentile churches to bring relief to the poor Christians in Jerusalem (Rom. 15:25-28, 1 Cor. 16:1-4, 2 Cor. 8-9). He saw this as an important way to unite Jewish and Gentile believers in the gospel.
Jesus identifies himself with the poor and says generosity to the needy is generosity to him
In his parable in Matthew 25, Jesus portrays the final judgment as being based on how people treated him through caring for the poor and needy. He takes personally the way the “least of these” are treated:
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” (Matthew 25:34-40)
This close identification of Jesus with the poor should spur greater generosity and compassion by his followers towards those in need.
Poverty can be the result of sin or folly, as well as injustice done by others
The Bible acknowledges that poverty is sometimes the result of sin, foolishness, and making bad choices. Examples would include laziness, failure to work hard, addiction, greed, and injustice. People may experience poverty because of the sins of others against them, or because of their own moral failings.
Proverbs talks about how sluggards and fools can come to ruin and poverty through not working diligently:
- “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber.” (Proverbs 24:33-34)
- “Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.” (Proverbs 12:11)
Poverty can also be the consequence of injustice, oppression, and the sins of others against the poor. The Law of Moses made provision for the poor by requiring that debts be canceled, slaves freed, and gleanings from harvests left for the poor (Ex. 21:2-4, Lev. 25:1-55, Deut. 15:1-18).
The church should seek economic justice and defend the rights of the poor
While poverty stems in part from the sins of individuals, the Bible also emphasizes the role that powerful people, unjust laws, and exploitative economic systems play in oppressing the poor. The prophets denounced those who accumulated wealth through corruption, perverting justice and economic power against the weak (Amos 2:6-7, 5:10-12, 8:4-6).
Followers of God must then not only give generously, but also “seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause” (Isaiah 1:17). The church should advocate for the poor, marginalized, and powerless in society.
The poor who persevere in faith will receive the kingdom
While poverty itself is not a virtue, Jesus pronounced blessing on the poor in spirit who persevere in faith amidst hardship. He contrasted them with the proud and self-sufficient rich:
“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God…But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.” (Luke 6:20, 24)
James also wrote, “Has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?” (James 2:5)
Godly contentment can be learned through any circumstance, whether living in plenty or in need (Phil 4:11-12). The trials of poverty can produce perseverance and spiritual maturity for those who cling to Christ (Rom. 5:3-4, James 1:2-4).
We have a responsibility to work to support ourselves
While poverty is not inherently virtuous, the Bible also does not encourage idleness and dependency. Believers who are able to work should provide for themselves and their families, not live off the generosity of others:
- “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10)
- “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Timothy 5:8)
Industrious labor and wise financial decisions are commended in order to avoid poverty if possible:
- “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise…How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.” (Proverbs 6:6,9-11)
- “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.” (Proverbs 21:20)
At the same time, work itself is a gift from God, not just a burden. Our work enables us to serve others and reflect God’s own creative nature in cultivating and building up civilization (Gen. 1:28).
Wealth is not a virtue and can be spiritually dangerous
While laziness that leads to poverty is foolish, the Bible does not present wealth as virtuous either. Prosperity can often distract from dependence on God and lead to pride:
- “Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.” (Proverbs 30:8-9)
- “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” (1 Timothy 6:10)
Wealth cannot satisfy and those who trust in riches will ultimately be disappointed (Ecclesiastes 5:10). Jesus taught the danger of being choked by the deceitfulness of riches and the false security they provide (Matthew 13:22).
While poverty has its challenges, the arrogance, idolatry, and self-sufficiency that often accompany wealth are also spiritually perilous. Material security can create a barrier to total dependence on God.
The early church practiced radical generosity and economic sharing
The early Christians saw economic sharing as central to their new spiritual community:
“All who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.” (Acts 2:44-45)
“There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.” (Acts 4:34-35)
This was not communal living mandated by law, but voluntary, radical generosity inspired by the gospel. As they experienced the grace of Christ, they graciously gave up their own rights to meet the needs of others.
Poverty and wealth will both be leveled in God’s kingdom
The blessings of God’s kingdom will mean the end of both destitution and riches. As Isaiah prophesied about the Messiah:
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion – to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.” (Isaiah 61:1-4)
Jesus proclaimed this Scripture fulfilled in himself (Luke 4:18-19). Through his kingdom, the material disparities between rich and poor will be redeemed as all receive the true riches of knowing Christ.