What Does the Bible Say About Poverty and the Poor — In Biblical Context
The Bible commands compassion for the poor, calls injustice against them sin, and promises God's special concern for the vulnerable.
The Bible commands compassion for the poor, calls injustice against them sin, and promises God's special concern for the vulnerable.
"He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again." — Proverbs 19:17 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
Scripture mentions the poor over 200 times. Proverbs 14:31 says, 'He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.' James 2:5 reveals that God has 'chosen the poor of this world rich in faith.' The Law required leaving grain for the poor to glean (Leviticus 19:9-10), and the prophets thundered against those who exploited the vulnerable (Amos 2:6-7, Isaiah 10:1-2). Jesus began His ministry quoting Isaiah: 'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor' (Luke 4:18). The early church shared resources so 'neither was there any among them that lacked' (Acts 4:34). Caring for the poor is not optional charity — it is a measure of genuine faith (1 John 3:17).
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Proverbs 19:17, sits inside Proverbs 19. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again."
Supporting Passages
"Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?"
"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
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