Dictionary of Bible Themes: 5449 poverty, remedies for

5449 poverty, remedies for

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

Ezekiel 18:12-13; Amos 4:1-2

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

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

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.