What Does the Bible Say About Poverty?

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."

Matthew 25:35-40

Jesus’ words in this passage remind us that when we serve those in need, we are serving Christ Himself. Caring for people living in poverty is not just an act of charity; it is a sacred responsibility that reflects the heart of our faith.

But the Bible’s discussions of poverty are more complex than you might first expect. That’s why we're taking a look at what the Bible teaches us about poverty, and how these teachings can guide our approach to helping those in need.

How does the Bible talk about poverty?

The Bible talks about poverty in ways that go beyond lacking money or basic needs like food and shelter. Yes, material poverty is a big part of it, but the Bible also highlights other kinds of poverty.

• Spiritual poverty means recognizing our deep need for God, as Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3).
• Relational poverty is about being cut off from others, facing loneliness and broken relationships.
• Then there's emotional poverty, which is about feeling crushed, hopeless, or lost—something the Bible acknowledges can hurt just as much as physical lack (Psalm 34:18).

In other words, the Bible’s view of poverty is holistic—it’s not just about what you have, but also about your heart, your relationships, and your connection to God. This understanding drives MOHI’s mission to care for the whole person, not just their immediate needs. 

What causes poverty?

The Bible points to several reasons why people end up in poverty, and it's not just about money.

Sometimes it’s tempting to focus on the simplest explanation for poverty: poor choices. For instance, Proverbs 28:19 and 23:21 remind us that chasing unrealistic dreams or living irresponsibly can lead to financial trouble.

However, oppression and injustice play a big role too — people are often pushed into poverty because they're exploited or treated unfairly, as shown in Proverbs 13:23 and Isaiah 10:1-2. One person’s personal choices can only do so much to alleviate this.

Then there are circumstances far beyond our control, like natural disasters, war, or illness, which can devastate anyone, no matter how careful they are, as seen in the stories of Job and the fall of Jerusalem in Lamentations.

The Bible calls us to respond to all forms of poverty with compassion — addressing injustice, encouraging wise living, and helping those who’ve been hit by life’s hardships. It’s a holistic approach that tackles poverty from every angle.

God's command to care for those in need

The Bible reflects God's deep compassion for the poor, urging His people to act justly and generously. Psalm 34:6 states, "This poor man called, and the Lord heard him," highlighting God's attentiveness to their needs.

God commands His people to care for the poor, as seen in Leviticus 19:9-10, which instructs leaving gleanings for the poor and the foreigner.

Jesus exemplified this in His ministry, declaring, "The Spirit of the Lord is on me... to proclaim good news to the poor" (Luke 4:18, NIV). His teachings challenge believers to prioritize serving the poor, demonstrating that true discipleship involves compassion and generosity toward those in need.

We all have a big role to play in tackling poverty

The Bible makes it clear that the Church and believers have an important role to play in tackling poverty. But this isn't just about giving money—it's about offering support that touches every part of a person’s life: spiritual, emotional, and social.

In Acts 2:44-45, the early Christians set an example by sharing what they had so that no one went without. They built a community where everyone’s needs were met, whether physical, spiritual, or emotional.

Following Jesus means going beyond charity

Spiritual support helps people in poverty find hope and purpose by reconnecting with God. Emotional support, through genuine relationships, helps combat the hurtful emotions that often come with poverty. As James 1:27 says, true faith means caring for those in need, including their emotional well-being.

The Church also has the power to heal social divides and make a positive impact, both in your own community and those around the world. Here are a few tips:

• Welcome everyone: Make your church a place where everyone feels at home, no matter their financial situation. Offer practical help like food, job training, and spiritual and emotional support.
• Speak up for justice: Take a stand against the unfair systems that keep people in poverty. Get involved in local or national efforts, support laws that protect the vulnerable and organizations working to make a difference.
• Support communities in need: Get involved in efforts to help communities struggling with poverty. Whether through sponsorship, local outreach, mission trips, or partnerships, focus on building relationships, sharing your faith, and working on projects that make a lasting impact.
• Encourage generosity: Teach and inspire others to live generously. Use your time, money, and skills to help others, creating a positive ripple effect that goes beyond the church.

By doing this, we’re not just helping people get by—we’re empowering them to break the cycle of poverty and live the full lives God intended.

You can be the difference

Join us in the fight against poverty by sponsoring a child with Missions of Hope International. Your support provides education, food, healthcare, and spiritual guidance, helping to break the cycle of poverty.

Together, we can transform lives and offer hope, addressing poverty in all its forms. Sponsor a child today.