We see beggars in cities around the world, but how often do we really think about their stories? Each individual has a past, a reason for where they are today. It’s easy to look away, but taking a moment to reflect on their situation can change how we see society.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Unbelief
What Does The Bible Say About Beggars
Psalm 113:7
“He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap.”
This verse highlights how God cares for and uplifts the poor and needy, showing His compassion and love for those in difficult circumstances.
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of showing kindness and generosity to the poor, as our actions towards them are seen as acts of service to God Himself.
Matthew 26:11
“The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me.”
In this verse, Jesus acknowledges the ongoing presence of poverty in the world while urging His followers to prioritize their devotion to Him.
Acts 10:4
“Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.”
Here, the actions of Cornelius are commended, as his prayers and gifts to the poor are seen as a pleasing offering to God.
Proverbs 14:31
“Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”
This verse warns against mistreating or neglecting the poor, emphasizing that showing kindness to those in need is an act of reverence towards God.
Matthew 5:42
“Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”
Jesus instructs His followers to be generous and willing to help those who ask for assistance, promoting a spirit of compassion and selflessness.
Proverbs 22:9
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”
Here, the act of sharing with the poor is seen as a blessing, and those who are generous towards those in need can expect to receive blessings in return.
Matthew 25:35-36
“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.”
Jesus affirms that caring for the basic needs of others is tantamount to demonstrating care and love for Him personally.
Luke 14:13-14
“But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
This verse encourages open-hearted generosity towards those in need, with the promise of eternal rewards for those who exhibit such kindness.
Proverbs 21:13
“Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.”
This verse serves as a warning that ignoring the pleas of the poor will ultimately result in God ignoring our cries for help.
Psalm 41:1
“Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the LORD delivers them in times of trouble.”
Showing concern and empathy for the vulnerable leads to God’s deliverance and favor in times of personal difficulty.
Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
This verse emphasizes the principle of sowing and reaping, assuring that generous giving will result in abundance and blessings in one’s own life.
Proverbs 28:27
“Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.”
By giving to the poor, we participate in God’s provision and ensure that we do not lack, while neglecting them brings negative consequences.
1 John 3:17
“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?”
This verse questions the genuineness of one’s love for God if they fail to show compassion and willingness to help those who are lacking.
Proverbs 31:9
“Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
The Bible encourages us to advocate for justice and stand up for the rights of the poor and oppressed.
Isaiah 58:7
“Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”
This verse emphasizes the importance of not only meeting physical needs but also extending care and support to our own family members who may be experiencing poverty or hardship.
James 2:15-16
“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”
True, practical love involves taking action to meet the tangible needs of those suffering, rather than simply offering empty words and no assistance.
Luke 12:33
“Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.”
Jesus encourages radical generosity and detachment from material possessions, promising eternal treasures and security for those who actively support the impoverished.
Proverbs 22:16
“One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.”
Exploiting the poor for personal gain or favoring the wealthy over the less fortunate leads to spiritual and material poverty.
Amos 5:11-12
“You trample on the poor and force him to give you grain. Therefore, though you have built stone mansions, you will not live in them; though you have planted lush vineyards, you will not drink their wine. For I know how many are your offenses and how great your sins. You oppress the innocent and take bribes and you deprive the poor of justice in the courts.”
This passage condemns the oppressive actions of those who exploit the poor and highlights that God sees and judges such injustices.
2 Corinthians 9:7
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
God values joyful and willing giving from the heart, rather than giving out of obligation or compulsion.
Deuteronomy 15:7-8
“If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of a compassionate and generous attitude towards those in need, urging believers not to withhold assistance but to lend freely to their brethren.
Romans 12:13
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
Christians are encouraged to generously support and show hospitality to fellow believers who are experiencing lack.
Proverbs 17:5
“Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.”
This verse warns against looking down on or ridiculing the poor, as it is a disrespectful attitude towards the God who created them.
Matthew 10:42
“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”
Even the smallest acts of kindness and provision for those who follow Christ are esteemed and will not go unrewarded by God.