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 Dt 15:7-8 See also Pr 17:5; Ro 12:13; Gal 6:10; Jas 2:15-16; 1Jn 3:17

They are not to be unjustly treated Ex 23:6 See also Lev 25:35-37; Dt 24:14-15; 2Sa 12:1-4 Nathan rebukes David in the parable about the rich man and the poor man; Job 24:1-4; Pr 22:22; Pr 29:7; Jer 22:2-3,16; Eze 18:10-13; Am 2:6-7; Zec 7:10; Jas 2:2-4 favouritism forbidden in Christian meetings

They are to have special rights and privileges Dt 14:28-29 See also Ex 23:11; Lev 19:9-10; Lev 25:5-6; Pr 19:17

They are to be cared for Ps 82:3-4 See also Job 29:11-17; Lk 3:11; Ac 9:36

They are to be helped generously Dt 15:9-11 See also Dt 14:29; Ru 2:14; Ps 112:9; Jer 39:10; Lk 19:8; Ac 10:2; 2Co 9:7

They are to be helped without ostentation Mt 6:2

Jesus Christ’s compassion for the poor

Mt 15:32 pp Mk 8:1-3 See also Lk 4:18-19; Jn 13:29; Ac 10:38

The attitude of the first Christians towards poverty

Ac 2:44-45 See also Ac 4:32-35; Ac 11:29-30; Ac 20:35; Ac 24:17; Ro 15:25-27; 2Co 8:13-15; Gal 2:10

Compassion for the poor will be rewarded

Ps 41:1 See also Pr 19:17; Pr 28:27; Mt 19:21; Mt 25:34-36; Mk 9:41; Heb 13:16

Examples of the poor who need help

Orphans Dt 10:18; Dt 14:28-29; Ps 10:14; Ps 146:9; Pr 23:10; Isa 10:2

Widows Dt 14:29; Dt 16:11; Ru 4:5; 2Ki 4:1; Job 22:9; Mal 3:5; Ac 6:1; 1Ti 5:3,9,16; Jas 1:27

See also