the poor
What does the Bible say about the poor? These are the passages readers found most helpful — tap any citation to read it in context.
15 passages · most helpful first
17Whoever is merciful to the poor lends to the Lord. And he will repay him for his efforts.
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.
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?
9Whoever is inclined to mercy shall be blessed, for from his bread he has given to the poor. Whoever gives gifts will acquire victory and honor. But he carries away the soul of the receiver.
31Whoever slanders the indigent argues against his Maker. But he who has compassion on the poor honors his Maker.
35I have revealed all things to you, because by laboring in this way, it is necessary to support the weak and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
27Whoever gives to the poor shall not be in need. Whoever despises his petition will suffer scarcity.
42Whoever asks of you, give to him. And if anyone would borrow from you, do not turn away from him.
10asking only that we should be mindful of the poor, which was the very thing that I also was solicitous to do.
21Jesus said to him: “If you are willing to be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and then you will have treasure in heaven. And come, follow me.”
7each one giving, just as he has determined in his heart, neither out of sadness, nor out of obligation. For God loves a cheerful giver.
12Then he also said to the one who had invited him: “When you prepare a lunch or dinner, do not choose to call your friends, or your brothers, or your relatives, or your wealthy neighbors, lest perhaps they might then invite you in return and repayment would made to you. 13But when you prepare a feast, call the poor, the disabled, the lame, and the blind. 14And you will be blessed because they do not have a way to repay you. So then, your recompense will be in the resurrection of the just.”
7The just knows the case of the poor. The impious is ignorant of knowledge.
21Whoever despises his neighbor, sins. But whoever pities the poor shall be blessed. Whoever trusts in the Lord loves mercy.
27This is religion, clean and undefiled before God the Father: to visit orphans and widows in their tribulations, and to keep yourself immaculate, apart from this age.