What does the Bible say about the poor?
The Bible commands special care for the poor — defending them, sharing with them, refusing partiality — because God himself "raises the poor from the dust" and identifies with them in Jesus.
The Law mandated gleaning rights, debt cancellation, and care for widows, orphans, and foreigners. The prophets thundered against nations that crushed the poor.
Jesus began his ministry quoting Isaiah 61: "He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor." He warned about wealth and identified with the hungry, the stranger, the prisoner.
"Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker" (Proverbs 14:31). Care for the poor is not optional charity for Christians; it is part of belonging to the God who loves them.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.