Topics

Poor, the

Scripture emphasizes the Christian responsibility to care for the poor as a fundamental expression of faith and obedience to God. Neglecting the poor incurs divine judgment, while generosity toward them reflects genuine conversion.

Overview

The Bible consistently calls believers to defend and assist the poor. Jesus taught that how we treat the vulnerable directly reflects our relationship with Him, while the prophets condemned those who exploited or ignored the needy. True faith demonstrates itself through tangible care for the poor.

Key Scriptures

"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink.'" (Matthew 25:41-42, ESV)

"If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." (James 2:15-17, ESV)

Application

Examine your personal generosity toward the poor and consider how God may be calling you to tangible acts of service and financial support.

Scripture References 40
Full Topical Reference List 178 total — Nave's Topical Bible

Are such by God's appointment

Bad company

By mocking, God is reproached

By oppressing, God is reproached

Care not for

Christ delivers

Christ lived as one of

Christ preached to

Church at Antioch

Commit themselves to God

Cornelius

Despise the counsel of

Despises no the prayer of

Drunkenness and gluttony

Forgets not

Grind the faces of

Guilt of defrauding

Harden not the heart against

Have the favour of God

Hope in God

Inconsistent with love to God

Is a fruit of repentance

Is the refuge of

Maintains the right of

Nebuzaradan

Persecute

Peter and John

Prophet's widow

Regard not the cause of

Regards equally with the rich

Rejoice in God

Rich in faith

Saints of old

Shut not the hand against

Take no usury from

Tread down

When converted, rejoice in their exaltation

Widow of Zarephath

Without ostentation

Wrong not in judgment

Zacchaeus