Dictionary of Bible Themes: 5448 poverty, attitudes towards

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5448 poverty, attitudes towards

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5200 Human civilisation » 5446 poverty » 5448 poverty, attitudes towards

The plight of those in need calls for compassionate action of which Jesus Christ is the great example and in which the early church was faithful. Such compassion will be rewarded.

The treatment of the poor

They are not to be neglected

Deuteronomy 15:7-8 See also Proverbs 17:5; Romans 12:13; Galatians 6:10; James 2:15-16; 1 John 3:17

They are not to be unjustly treated

Exodus 23:6 See also Leviticus 25:35-37; Deuteronomy 24:14-15; 2 Samuel 12:1-4 Nathan rebukes David in the parable about the rich man and the poor man; Job 24:1-4; Proverbs 22:22; Proverbs 29:7; Jeremiah 22:2-3,16; Ezekiel 18:10-13; Amos 2:6-7; Zechariah 7:10; James 2:2-4 favouritism forbidden in Christian meetings

They are to have special rights and privileges

Deuteronomy 14:28-29 See also Exodus 23:11; Leviticus 19:9-10; Leviticus 25:5-6; Proverbs 19:17

They are to be cared for

Psalm 82:3-4 See also Job 29:11-17; Luke 3:11; Acts 9:36

They are to be helped generously

Deuteronomy 15:9-11 See also Deuteronomy 14:29; Ruth 2:14; Psalm 112:9; Jeremiah 39:10; Luke 19:8; Acts 10:2; 2 Corinthians 9:7

They are to be helped without ostentation

Matthew 6:2

Jesus Christ's compassion for the poor

Matthew 15:32 pp Mark 8:1-3 See also Luke 4:18-19; John 13:29; Acts 10:38

The attitude of the first Christians towards poverty

Acts 2:44-45 See also Acts 4:32-35; Acts 11:29-30; Acts 20:35; Acts 24:17; Romans 15:25-27; 2 Corinthians 8:13-15; Galatians 2:10

Compassion for the poor will be rewarded

Examples of the poor who need help

Orphans

Deuteronomy 10:18; Deuteronomy 14:28-29; Psalm 10:14; Psalm 146:9; Proverbs 23:10; Isaiah 10:2

Widows

Deuteronomy 14:29; Deuteronomy 16:11; Ruth 4:5; 2 Kings 4:1; Job 22:9; Malachi 3:5; Acts 6:1; 1 Timothy 5:3,9,16; James 1:27