Bible verses about poverty and generosity

  • By: Amber Van Schooneveld
Girl holds a bible and is sitting on a bench.

Did you know there are more than 300 verses in the Bible that talk about poverty and generosity?

God is clear in His word that He cares about “the poor”. Generosity is at the core of who He is, and He wants us to be generous to those in poverty as well. Here are just a few inspiring passages in the Bible about poverty and generosity.

Woman wears a pink shirt and holds her baby with his hands in the air.

“The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the maker of them all.”

Proverbs 22:2

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” 

1 Timothy 6:17-18

Nopolo is wearing her traditional Karen clothing - her skirt is blue striped and her shirt is white. She is sitting in a boat and is holding Krittamet, wearing a red hat. Nopolo is also wearing a red hat and is kissing Krittamet on the cheek.

“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” 

Proverbs 19:17

“The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the Lord will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.” 

Isaiah 41:17

Little girl wears a blue patterned dress and holds a book. Babies are sleeping on blankets behind her.

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” 

Proverbs 11:25

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?” 

Isaiah 58:6-7

Close-up of a young girl hanging off of a bar looking at the camera.

“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’“

Acts 20:35

“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?”

1 John 3:17

A family in their home cooking dinner. The kids smile at the camera. Their father was a carpenter and was in an accident that plunged his whole family into poverty.

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

Hebrews 13:16

“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”

2 Corinthians 9:11

Elementary school students in a classroom in Togo smiling and laughing while sitting at their desks.

Want to dig deeper into what the Bible says about God’s love for a world in need? Check out this gift resource just for you.

Yes, I want a gift resource!

 

About Compassion: Compassion connects you and the church around the world to end poverty in the life of a child. We work with the church in 29 countries to help children get an education, stay healthy, learn how to build strong relationships and discover God’s love for them in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Photos by Ben Adams, Sara Navarro, Piyamary Shinoda and Craig Thompson.