The decision to give money to those in need often involves deep moral considerations. The Bible emphasizes compassion and generosity, but also wisdom in our actions. Let’s explore what the Scriptures say about helping those in need, including giving to beggars.
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What Does The Bible Say About giving money to beggars
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of being generous to the poor. God sees our acts of giving and promises to reward us for our kindness.
Proverbs 28:27
“Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.”
Here, we learn that giving to the poor brings blessings and ensures that we lack nothing. On the other hand, turning a blind eye to those in need brings consequences and curses.
Luke 3:11
“And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.”
Jesus teaches us the importance of sharing what we have with those who are in need. We are called to be generous and compassionate, providing for others who lack basic necessities.
Proverbs 22:9
“Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.”
Those who have a generous and compassionate heart, freely giving to the poor, will experience blessings from God. Sharing our resources with others is a virtuous act in His eyes.
Matthew 19:21
“Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”
In this encounter, Jesus challenges the rich young man to let go of his material possessions and give to the poor. He highlights that true perfection and treasure lie in selfless acts of generosity and following Him.
Proverbs 21:13
“Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.”
Ignoring the pleas and needs of the poor can have consequences. If we turn a deaf ear to the cries of those in need, we cannot expect God to answer our own cries in times of trouble.
1 John 3:17
“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?”
As believers, if we possess the means to help those in need and choose not to, it raises questions about the genuineness of God’s love dwelling within us. Love should motivate our generous actions.
Matthew 5:42
“Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.”
Christ instructs us to give to those who ask of us, not withholding our resources from those in need. This verse teaches us to be freely generous when asked without hesitation or judgment.
James 2:15-16
“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?”
Empty words without corresponding actions hold no value. If we recognize the needs of others but fail to assist them practically, our faith lacks substance and compassion.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
This verse contrasts two attitudes: despising others or showing generosity. The one who is generous to the poor and marginalized experiences blessings, while despising our neighbor leads to sin.
Matthew 25:35-40
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”
Jesus affirms the significance of caring for others through acts of compassion, emphasizing that when we help the marginalized and vulnerable, we are serving Him directly. Our love for God should reflect in our love for others.
Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
Through giving, we position ourselves to receive God’s abundant blessings. As we generously give to others, God reciprocates by pouring out His blessings upon us in immeasurable ways.
2 Corinthians 9:7
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Generosity is an individual decision, and when we give from our hearts with joy and willingness, we align with God’s loving nature. Offering with a cheerful spirit reflects God’s love in action.
Deuteronomy 15:10
“You shall give to him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to him, because for this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake.”
God desires us to give freely and willingly, without begrudging or holding back. As we do so, He promises to bless not only our acts of kindness but also every aspect of our lives.
Proverbs 11:24-25
“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”
Generosity leads to abundance, while withholding leads to want. When we bless others by giving freely, we open the doors for God’s blessings to overflow into our own lives.
Acts 20:35
“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”
This verse reminds us of the words of Jesus, emphasizing the greater blessing in giving rather than receiving. Helping the weak through our hard work is a powerful testimony of our faith.
Galatians 6:2
“Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
By sharing the burden of others through acts of generosity and support, we demonstrate our obedience to Christ’s commandment of love and care for one another.
Psalm 112:9
“They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor.”
Those who freely share with the needy and generously give of their resources will be remembered and honored. Their acts of kindness have lasting impact and create a legacy of influence.
Proverbs 28:8
“Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.”
Hoarding wealth and gaining through unjust means contrasts with the generosity of giving. Ultimately, those who gather wealth unjustly will have their riches transferred to those who are generous to the poor.
Luke 11:41
“But give as alms those things that are within, and behold, everything is clean for you.”
Jesus teaches that true cleanliness and purity come from generous giving rather than being overly concerned with external rituals. Our internal attitudes and actions matter greatly.
Proverbs 11:25
“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”
As we bless others, we open ourselves to receive blessings in return. Just as water nourishes and refreshes, when we give, we too will be refreshed and nourished spiritually and materially.
Proverbs 3:27
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to do it.”
When we have the ability to do good and help those in need, we are called to act. We should not hold back or delay our acts of kindness when we have the power and resources to make a difference.
Philippians 4:19
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
God assures us that He will provide for all our needs abundantly, drawing from His infinite resources. Therefore, we can be confident in our giving, knowing that He will take care of us.