“It is not a coincidence that in the Scriptures, poverty is mentioned more than 2,100 times. It is not an accident. That’s alot of air time, 2,100 mentions.”
Bono
As I come across mentions of poverty in the scriptures I will record them here using the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.
Psalm 140:12 - I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. NIV (added 10/29/06)
Proverbs 14:21 – It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor; blessed are those who help the poor.
Proverbs 14:31 – Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but helping the poor honors Him.
Proverbs 17:5 – Those who mock the poor insult their Maker; those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished.
Proverbs 19:17 - If you help the poor, you are lending to the the LORD – and he will repay you.
Proverbs 21:13 – Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.
Proverbs 22:2 – The rich and poor have this in common: The LORD made them both. (added 10/22/06)
Proverbs 22:7 - Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrow is servant to the lender. (added 10/22/06)
Proverbs 22:9 – Blessed are those who are generous because they feed the poor. (added 10/22/06)
Proverbs 22:22 - Don’t rob the poor just because you can, or exploit the needy in court.
Proverbs 29:7 – The godly care about the rights of the poor, the wicked don’t care at all. (added 10/29/06)
Proverbs 29:13 – The poor and the oppressor have this in common – the LORD gives sight to the eyes of both. (added 10/29/06)
Ezekiel 16:49 - Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. (Added 11/05/06)
Ezekiel 18:7 - 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.
Ezekiel 18:11-13 – And that son does all the evil things his father would never do – he worships idols on the mountains, committs adultery, oppresses the poor and helpless, steals from debtors by refusing to let them redeem their secruity, worships idols, commits detestable sins, and lends money at excessive interest. Should such a sinful person live? No! He must die and take full blame.
Ezekiel 18:16 & 17 - 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. He helps the poor, does not lend money at interest and obeys all regulations and decrees. Such a person will not die because of his father’s sins; he will surely live.
Isaiah 25:4a – But you are a tower of refuge to the poor, O LORD, a tower of refuge to the needy in distress.
Why is it so easy to ignore a world of poverty, pain, and suffering?
By selfish, sinful nature, we are prone to turn a blind eye to the darkness around us. Thank God that He understands our nature so well that he gives us a legion of reminders.
Jesus tells us that the problem is not a lack of light, but that men love the darkness. Our flesh inclines us to the dark, where we can not see the truth around us and we feel less responsible for establishing relationships. God, therefore, sent light into the world so save us from our rebellion.
Praise be to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.