poverty
What does the Bible say about poverty? These are the passages readers found most helpful — tap any citation to read it in context.
17 passages · most helpful first
35If your brother has become impoverished, or infirm of hand, and you take him in, like a newcomer or a sojourner, and he lives with you,
2The rich and poor have met one another. The Lord is the maker of them both.
9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, he became poor for your sakes, so that through his poverty, you might become rich.
13Do not love sleep, lest deprivation oppress you. Open your eyes and be satisfied with bread.
6Better is the pauper walking in his simplicity, than the rich walking in ways of depravity.
8Open your mouth for the mute and for all the cases of the sons who are passing through. 9Open your mouth, declare what is just, and do justice to the indigent and the poor.
20And lifting up his eyes to his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who are weeping now, for you shall laugh.
16And so, I declared that wisdom is better than strength. But how is it, then, that the wisdom of the poor man is treated with contempt, and his words are not heeded?
7The rich rule over the poor. And the borrower is servant to the lender.
5Whoever despises the poor rebukes his Maker. And whoever rejoices in the ruin of another will not go unpunished.
17Whoever possesses the goods of this world, and sees his brother to be in need, and yet closes his heart to him: in what way does the love of God abide in him?
7The just knows the case of the poor. The impious is ignorant of knowledge.
33You will sleep a little,” I said. “You will slumber briefly. You will fold your hands a little, so as to rest. 34And destitution will overtake you like a runner, and begging will overtake you like an armed man.”
6The Lord accomplishes mercies, and his judgment is for all who patiently endure injuries.
11The rich one seems wise to himself. But the poor one, being prudent, shall evaluate him.
4Riches add many friends. But from the pauper, even those whom he had become separated.
32Do not be afraid, little flock; for it has pleased your Father to give you the kingdom. 33Sell what you possess, and give alms. Make for yourselves purses that will not wear out, a treasure that will not fall short, in heaven, where no thief approaches, and no moth corrupts. 34For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.