Dictionary of Bible Themes Although poverty can never be totally eliminated from this sinful world, it can be alleviated. Scripture provides guidance concerning how this may be done. Matthew 26:11Poverty will always exist in this world See also Deuteronomy 15:11pp Jn 12:8 Psalms 35:10; 68:10God's concern over poverty See also God cares for the poor Deuteronomy 15:4-5Job 5:16 Psalms 14:6; 113:7; 140:12 Isaiah 25:4 Leviticus 5:7,11; 12:8; 14:21-22; 27:8 The law made concessions for poverty Ezekiel 18:12-13Amos 4:1-2 God judges those who oppress the poor Exodus 23:11The poor should be encouraged to help themselves Leviticus 19:10; 23:22; 25:25,28,39,41Mosaic law enabled the poor to help themselves Deuteronomy 23:25The jubilee helped towards release from the poverty trap 1 Thessalonians 4:112 Thessalonians 3:10 Paul exhorts the poor to work Acts 20:341 Thessalonians 2:9 Paul sets the poor an example 2 Thessalonians 3:81 Timothy 5:4 The relatives of the poor should help See also Genesis 45:9-11Leviticus 25:25 1 Timothy 5:8,16 Acts 10:4 Those better off should help the poor See also The poor can be helped by means of gifts Deuteronomy 15:7-8Psalms 112:9 Proverbs 31:20 Matthew 19:21 Luke 19:8 pp Mk 10:21 Acts 9:36pp Lk 18:22 Ephesians 4:281 Timothy 6:17-18 Matthew 25:34-40 Luke 11:41; 14:13 The poor can be helped in practical ways Acts 9:36,391 Timothy 5:9-10 James 2:15-16 1 John 3:17 Psalms 82:3 See also The poor can be helped by others upholding justice Deuteronomy 24:12-15Proverbs 22:22; 29:7,14; 31:9 Isaiah 10:1-2 Jeremiah 22:16 Galatians 2:10 The church should help the poor See also Acts 24:17Romans 15:26 1 Timothy 5:16 Luke 4:18 God's greatest gift to the poor is the good news of Jesus Christ See also Isaiah 61:1Matthew 11:5 Luke 14:21 pp Lk 7:22 See also Scripture regards spiritual and social welfare as closely connected. 1030 God, compassion1075 God, justice of 1330 God, the provider 5325 gifts 5680 family 5976 visiting 6714 ransom |
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