The Best 50+ Bible Verses About Poverty

Ever wondered what the Bible has to say about poverty? You're in the right place. The scriptures offer profound insights that resonate through the ages.

Let's dive into these timeless verses and discover the wisdom they hold. Whether you're seeking comfort, guidance, or inspiration, these passages have something for everyone.

50 Bible Verses About Poverty

10 Bible Verses on Causes of Poverty

• "He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich." — Proverbs 10:4
• "Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, but he who regards a rebuke will be honored." — Proverbs 13:18
• "In all labor there is profit, but idle chatter leads only to poverty." — Proverbs 14:23
• "The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty." — Proverbs 21:5
• "For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe a man with rags." — Proverbs 23:21
• "He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough!" — Proverbs 28:19
• "Because of laziness the building decays, and through idleness of hands the house leaks." — Ecclesiastes 10:18
• "You have sown much, and bring in little; you eat, but do not have enough; you drink, but you are not filled with drink; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and he who earns wages, earns wages to put into a bag with holes." — Haggai 1:6
• "You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures." — James 4:3
• "A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep—so shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man." — Proverbs 6:10-11

10 Bible Verses on Overcoming Poverty

• "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." — Philippians 4:19
• "Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." — Matthew 6:31-33
• "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work." — 2 Corinthians 9:8
• "The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing." — Psalm 34:10
• "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." — Isaiah 41:10
• "And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day." — Deuteronomy 8:18
• "I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread." — Psalm 37:25
• "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich." — 2 Corinthians 8:9
• "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." — Matthew 7:7-8
• "Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds?" — Luke 12:24

10 Bible Verses on Helping the Poor

• "He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given." — Proverbs 19:17
• "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. Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 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 25:35-40
• "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
• "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 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
• "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 do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." — Hebrews 13:16
• "He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor." — Proverbs 22:9

10 Bible Verses on God's View on Poverty

• "I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the poor." — Psalm 140:12
• "The rich and the poor have this in common, the Lord is the maker of them all." — Proverbs 22:2
• "Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: 'Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.'" — Luke 6:20
• "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." — Matthew 5:3
• "For the needy shall not always be forgotten; the expectation of the poor shall not perish forever." — Psalm 9:18
• "The poor and needy seek water, but there is none, their tongues fail for thirst. I, the Lord, will hear them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them." — Isaiah 41:17
• "For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now I will arise,” says the Lord; “I will set him in the safety for which he yearns." — Psalm 12:5
• "He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he who honors Him has mercy on the needy." — Proverbs 14:31
• "Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?" — James 2:5
• "He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the beggar from the ash heap, to set them among princes and make them inherit the throne of glory." — 1 Samuel 2:8

10 Bible Verses on Poverty and Justice

• "Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow." — Isaiah 1:17
• "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
• "He judged the cause of the poor and needy; Then it was well. Was not this knowing Me?” says the Lord." — Jeremiah 22:16
• "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
• "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. Deliver the poor and needy; Free them from the hand of the wicked." — Psalm 82:3-4
• "But let justice run down like water, And righteousness like a mighty stream." — Amos 5:24
• "You shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty. In righteousness you shall judge your neighbor." — Leviticus 19:15
• "You shall follow what is altogether just, that you may live and inherit the land which the Lord your God is giving you." — Deuteronomy 16:20
• "Because I delivered the poor who cried out, The fatherless and the one who had no helper. The blessing of a perishing man came upon me, And I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy. I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; My justice was like a robe and a turban. I was eyes to the blind, And I was feet to the lame. I was a father to the poor, And I searched out the case that I did not know. I broke the fangs of the wicked, And plucked the victim from his teeth." — Job 29:12-17

What Does the Bible Say About Poverty

The Bible offers a profound perspective on poverty, emphasizing both its causes and the ways to overcome it. It teaches that diligence and hard work are essential to avoid poverty, as seen in Proverbs 10:4, which states, "He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich." This highlights the importance of effort and responsibility in our daily lives.

Moreover, the scriptures provide hope and assurance that God will provide for those in need. Philippians 4:19 reassures us, "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." This verse encourages us to trust in God's provision and remain steadfast in our faith, even in challenging times.

Helping the poor is another key theme. Proverbs 19:17 reminds us, "He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given." This verse calls us to act with compassion and generosity, knowing that our kindness will not go unnoticed by God.

Finally, the Bible underscores the importance of justice for the poor. Isaiah 1:17 urges us to "Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow." This verse inspires us to advocate for those who cannot defend themselves, ensuring that justice prevails.

By embracing these teachings, we can make a meaningful difference in our communities, offering hope and support to those in need.

How to Apply Poverty Bible Verses in Daily Life

Applying the Bible's teachings on poverty in daily life can start with small, actionable steps. Begin by practicing diligence in your work and responsibilities. Proverbs 10:4 emphasizes the importance of hard work, so strive to be diligent in all you do.

Next, trust in God's provision. When faced with financial challenges, remember Philippians 4:19 and have faith that God will supply your needs. This mindset can bring peace and reduce anxiety about material concerns.

Helping the poor is another crucial aspect. Consider these actions:

• Donate to local charities or food banks.
• Volunteer your time to help those in need.
• Offer support to a neighbor or friend going through tough times.

Advocating for justice is equally important. Stand up for those who cannot defend themselves by:

• Supporting policies that promote social justice.
• Educating yourself and others about issues affecting the poor.
• Participating in community initiatives aimed at helping the disadvantaged.

By incorporating these teachings into your life, you can make a positive impact on your community. Explore more prayers and Bible verses on PrayersFor or use our Bible Verse Generator to deepen your understanding and faith.