Bible Verses on Helping the Poor

In this current difficult economy, the poor and those who need a helping hand are popping up more than ever. And for the rest of us that are still able to keep our heads above water, being able to lend a helping hand is often difficult. That's why I like reading inspirational Bible verses about helping the poor, because it gives me the motivation to make sacrifices in order to do the right thing. Below I've listed my 4 favorite inspirational verses on the subject and the first one comes from the book of Proverbs:

"Rescue those being lead away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say 'But we knew nothing about this,' does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it?" Proverbs 24:11-12

It would be so much easier to just turn a blind eye to the suffering, oppression, and fear going on in the world around us. There's so much evil and grief happening to people in the world today, especially to children, that sometimes it can all seem so overwhelming. But how can we, in good conscience, just go on our merry way and not try and do anything to help another in need? Or should I love my neighbor as myself, as Jesus himself prescribed, spreading goodness where I can? God created our hearts for compassion. Here's another verse that's also from the same book of Proverbs.

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and the needy" Proverbs 31:8-9

Can you imagine what the world would be like if people actually took Bible verses like this one to heart? Poverty and oppression would cease. Instead, we get so focused on our own ambitions and on our own problems. I love reading verses like this one because they help put things back into perspective for me. The next verse comes from the book Deuteronomy in the Old Testament, which isn't very widely read.

"If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs" Deuteronomy 15:7-8

Wouldn't that be something? Especially now, in our current economic crisis, when money is tight and many have already gone bankrupt and broke. Human beings are always more important than possessions and money. The Bible's model for how to deal with poverty is really very striking and sacrificial when you take a specific look at the different verses on the subject. According to this verse and the general attitude of the Bible, lending to the poor, and even plain giving money to them without expecting it back is the proper way to live. Like this next verse from the New Testament says:

"He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need" Ephesians 4:28.

Living at or beyond our means is a basic practice in American culture. People often spend all the money they take in, and at times, even more than what they earn, so that they have nothing left for anything else. But what would it be like if people saved money for the express purpose of being able to share what they have?

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