Bible Verses

The Best 50+ Bible Verses About Helping The Poor

Created:
February 9, 2025
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Updated:
February 9, 2025
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Author:
Joseph Cox

Helping those in need is a core message in the Bible. This article brings together 50 verses that highlight the importance of supporting the poor.

These verses offer guidance and inspiration for anyone looking to make a difference. Whether you're seeking motivation or just curious, you'll find valuable insights here.

50 Bible Verses About Helping The Poor

10 Bible Verses on Compassion for the Needy

Proverbs 19:17
  • "He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, And He will pay back what he has given." — Proverbs 19:17
  • "If you extend your soul to the hungry And satisfy the afflicted soul, Then your light shall dawn in the darkness, And your darkness shall be as the noonday." — Isaiah 58:10
  • "For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me." — Matthew 25:35-36
  • "He answered and said to them, 'He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.'" — Luke 3:11
  • "If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,' but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?" — James 2:15-16
  • "But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?" — 1 John 3:17
  • "For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, 'You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.'" — Deuteronomy 15:11
  • "Defend the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy; Free them from the hand of the wicked." — Psalm 82:3-4
  • "He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, But he who honors Him has mercy on the needy." — Proverbs 14:31
  • "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound." — Isaiah 61:1

10 Bible Verses on Generosity to the Poor

Proverbs 22:9
  • "He who has a generous eye will be blessed, For he gives of his bread to the poor." — Proverbs 22:9
  • "So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver." — 2 Corinthians 9:7
  • "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." — Luke 6:38
  • "I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" — Acts 20:35
  • "But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly." — Matthew 6:3-4
  • "Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share." — 1 Timothy 6:18
  • "The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself." — Proverbs 11:25
  • "But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." — Hebrews 13:16
  • "He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever; His horn will be exalted with honor." — Psalm 112:9
  • "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." — Galatians 6:2

10 Bible Verses on Justice for the Oppressed

Isaiah 1:17
  • "Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow." — Isaiah 1:17
  • "He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?" — Micah 6:8
  • "Open your mouth for the speechless, In the cause of all who are appointed to die. Open your mouth, judge righteously, And plead the cause of the poor and needy." — Proverbs 31:8-9
  • "Thus says the Lord: 'Execute judgment and righteousness, and deliver the plundered out of the hand of the oppressor. Do no wrong and do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, or the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place.'" — Jeremiah 22:3
  • "Thus says the Lord of hosts: 'Execute true justice, Show mercy and compassion Everyone to his brother. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, The alien or the poor. Let none of you plan evil in his heart Against his brother.'" — Zechariah 7:9-10
  • "Defend the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy." — Psalm 82:3
  • "But let justice run down like water, And righteousness like a mighty stream." — Amos 5:24
  • "Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke?" — Isaiah 58:6
  • "The righteous considers the cause of the poor, But the wicked does not understand such knowledge." — Proverbs 29:7
  • "Who executes justice for the oppressed, Who gives food to the hungry. The Lord gives freedom to the prisoners." — Psalm 146:7

10 Bible Verses on Charity and Almsgiving

Matthew 6:1-2
  • "Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward." — Matthew 6:1-2
  • "Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys." — Luke 12:33
  • "Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need." — Acts 4:34-35
  • "For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack—that there may be equality." — 2 Corinthians 8:13-14
  • "Distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality." — Romans 12:13
  • "Well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work." — 1 Timothy 5:10
  • "Jesus said to him, 'If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.'" — Matthew 19:21
  • "But rather give alms of such things as you have; then indeed all things are clean to you." — Luke 11:41
  • "He who gives to the poor will not lack, But he who hides his eyes will have many curses." — Proverbs 28:27
  • "While you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God." — 2 Corinthians 9:11

10 Bible Verses on Serving the Less Fortunate

Matthew 25:40
  • "And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'" — Matthew 25:40
  • "For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." — Galatians 5:13
  • "Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." — Philippians 2:4
  • "Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another." — Romans 12:10
  • "As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." — 1 Peter 4:10
  • "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ." — Colossians 3:23-24
  • "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." — Mark 10:45
  • "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you." — John 13:14-15
  • "For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister." — Hebrews 6:10
  • "With goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free." — Ephesians 6:7-8

What Does the Bible Say About Helping The Poor

The Bible has a lot to say about helping the poor. It's a recurring theme that shows up in many verses, urging us to show compassion, generosity, and justice. These teachings are not just about giving money but about caring for others in meaningful ways. They remind us that helping those in need is a way to live out our faith and make a positive impact in the world.

One key theme is compassion. Verses like Proverbs 19:17 and Isaiah 58:10 highlight the importance of feeling empathy for those who are struggling. Compassion isn't just about feeling sorry for someone; it's about taking action to help them. When we extend our hands to the needy, we are lending to the Lord, and this act of kindness brings light into our lives.

Generosity is another important theme. The Bible encourages us to give freely and cheerfully. Proverbs 22:9 and 2 Corinthians 9:7 remind us that a generous heart is blessed. Giving should come from a place of love, not obligation. When we share what we have, we not only help others but also enrich our own lives.

Justice for the oppressed is also emphasized. Verses like Isaiah 1:17 and Micah 6:8 call us to seek justice and defend the rights of the poor and vulnerable. It's about standing up for those who can't stand up for themselves and making sure everyone is treated fairly. This is a powerful way to show God's love in action.

Lastly, the Bible speaks about serving the less fortunate. Matthew 25:40 and Galatians 5:13 encourage us to serve others with love. Serving isn't just about doing good deeds; it's about seeing Christ in those we help. When we serve others, we are serving God, and this brings a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment to our lives.

How to Apply These Bible Verses About Helping The Poor

Applying the Bible's teachings about helping the poor in our daily lives is crucial. These verses guide us to live with compassion, generosity, and justice, making a real difference in the world.

  • Start your day with a prayer asking for a compassionate heart and opportunities to help others.
  • Set aside a portion of your income for charity or donate items you no longer need to local shelters.
  • Volunteer your time at community centers, food banks, or organizations that support the less fortunate.
  • Practice kindness by offering a listening ear or a helping hand to those around you.
  • Advocate for social justice by supporting policies and initiatives that aim to reduce poverty and inequality.
  • Encourage your family and friends to join you in acts of service and generosity.

Remember, God is with you in every act of kindness. Your efforts, no matter how small, can bring about faith-driven transformation. For more prayers and Bible verses, visit PrayersFor or try our Bible Verse Generator to deepen your understanding and faith.

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