Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5200 Human civilisation » 5446 poverty » 5449 poverty, remedies for Although poverty can never be totally eliminated from this sinful world, it can be alleviated. Scripture provides guidance concerning how this may be done. Poverty will always exist in this world Matthew 26:11 pp John 12:8 See also Deuteronomy 15:11 God's concern over poverty God cares for the poor Psalm 35:10; Psalm 68:10 See also Deuteronomy 15:4-5; Job 5:16; Psalm 14:6; Psalm 113:7; Psalm 140:12; Isaiah 25:4 The law made concessions for poverty Leviticus 5:7,11; Leviticus 12:8; Leviticus 14:21-22; Leviticus 27:8 God judges those who oppress the poor The poor should be encouraged to help themselves Mosaic law enabled the poor to help themselves Exodus 23:11; Leviticus 19:10; Leviticus 23:22; Leviticus 25:25,28,39,41 The jubilee helped towards release from the poverty trap; Deuteronomy 23:25 Paul exhorts the poor to work 1 Thessalonians 4:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:10 Paul sets the poor an example Acts 20:34; 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:8 The relatives of the poor should help 1 Timothy 5:4 See also Genesis 45:9-11; Leviticus 25:25; 1 Timothy 5:8,16 Those better off should help the poor The poor can be helped by means of gifts Acts 10:4 See also Deuteronomy 15:7-8; Psalm 112:9; Proverbs 31:20; Matthew 19:21 pp Mark 10:21 pp Luke 18:22; Luke 19:8; Acts 9:36; Ephesians 4:28; 1 Timothy 6:17-18 The poor can be helped in practical ways Matthew 25:34-40; Luke 11:41; Luke 14:13; Acts 9:36,39; 1 Timothy 5:9-10; James 2:15-16; 1 John 3:17 The poor can be helped by others upholding justice Psalm 82:3 See also Deuteronomy 24:12-15; Proverbs 22:22; Proverbs 29:7,14; Proverbs 31:9; Isaiah 10:1-2; Jeremiah 22:16 The church should help the poor Galatians 2:10 See also Acts 24:17; Romans 15:26; 1 Timothy 5:16 God's greatest gift to the poor is the good news of Jesus Christ Luke 4:18 See also Isaiah 61:1; Matthew 11:5 pp Luke 7:22; Luke 14:21 Scripture regards spiritual and social welfare as closely connected. See also
1030 God, compassion |
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