What Does the Bible Say About Poverty?

What does the Bible say about poverty? Throughout the Bible, God speaks often of those in need. He also commands us to give generously to the less fortunate and to speak up on their behalf.

Here you’ll find Bible verses about poverty to help you connect with God’s heart for the impoverished. You’ll also learn what you can do to help those in need around you.

All Bible verses listed here are written in NIV unless otherwise noted.

What's Here:

• What Does the Bible Say About Poverty?
• 15 Bible Verses About Helping Those in Poverty
• How You Can Help Those in Poverty

What Does the Bible Say About Poverty?

The Bible’s message is clear: God loves all of us, including those living in poverty. While the world may cast aside those in need, God blesses them, lifts them up and gives them his kingdom. These Bible verses illustrate God’s incredible love for the impoverished.

Proverbs 22:2

Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all.

Luke 6:20-21

Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.”

Psalm 103:6

The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.

1 Samuel 2:8

He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the Lord’s; on them he has set the world.

James 2:5

Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?

15 Bible Verses About Helping Those in Poverty

Because of God’s great love for those in need, he calls us to serve them on his behalf. And when we do, we have this promise: When we refresh others, we are refreshed ourselves.

Luke 6:38 (NIV) says, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

What else does the Bible say about helping those in poverty?

1. Proverbs 3:27-28

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you” — when you already have it with you.

2. Proverbs 28:27

Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.

3. Deuteronomy 15:10-11

Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.

4. Proverbs 31:8-9

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

5. Isaiah 1:17

Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.

6. Proverbs 14:21

It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.

7. Deuteronomy 15:4-5

However, there need be no poor people among you, for in the land the Lord your God is giving you to possess as your inheritance, he will richly bless you, if only you fully obey the Lord your God and are careful to follow all these commands I am giving you today.

8. 1 John 3:17

If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?

9. Proverbs 14:31

Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

10. Zechariah 7:8-10

And the word of the Lord came again to Zechariah: “This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’”

11. Luke 14:13-14

“But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

12. 1 Corinthians 10:23-24

“I have the right to do anything” you say — but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything” — but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.

13. Matthew 19:21

Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

14. Proverbs 22:9

The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.

15. Romans 12:11-13

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

How You Can Help Those in Poverty

God’s Word commands us to stand in the gap for those living in poverty. But how can we possibly help when the problem of poverty is so big?

The good news is that there are so many ways you can help those in need. For example, you could give your time by volunteering for a local charity. Or you could give a friend in need a place to stay until they’re back on their feet.

Another practical way to help those living in poverty is child sponsorship. By sponsoring a child, you’ll share the hope of the gospel by delivering the necessities a child needs to thrive, from food to education.