They deprive the poor of justice and deny the rights of the needy among my people. They prey on widows and take advantage of orphans.

I will feed the poor in my pasture; the needy will lie down in peace. But as for you, I will wipe you out with famine and destroy the few who remain.

But you are a tower of refuge to the poor, O Lord, a tower of refuge to the needy in distress. You are a refuge from the storm and a shelter from the heat. For the oppressive acts of ruthless people are like a storm beating against a wall,

The poor and oppressed trample it underfoot, and the needy walk all over it.

“When the poor and needy search for water and there is none, and their tongues are parched from thirst, then I, the Lord, will answer them. I, the God of Israel, will never abandon them.

Sing to the Lord! Praise the Lord! For though I was poor and needy, he rescued me from my oppressors.

He gave justice and help to the poor and needy, and everything went well for him. Isn’t that what it means to know me?” says the Lord.

Sodom’s sins were pride, gluttony, and laziness, while the poor and needy suffered outside her door.

He is a merciful creditor, not keeping the items given as security by poor debtors. He does not rob the poor but instead gives food to the hungry and provides clothes for the needy.

He does not exploit the poor, but instead is fair to debtors and does not rob them. He gives food to the hungry and provides clothes for the needy.

Even common people oppress the poor, rob the needy, and deprive foreigners of justice.

Israel’s Failure to Learn

Listen to me, you fat cows living in Samaria, you women who oppress the poor and crush the needy, and who are always calling to your husbands, “Bring us another drink!”

Listen to this, you who rob the poor and trample down the needy!

Teaching about Giving to the Needy

“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven.

In this way, you let them disregard their needy parents.

“Certainly there were many needy widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the heavens were closed for three and a half years, and a severe famine devastated the land.

There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them