Topical Encyclopedia The biblical mandate to do justice to the poor is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing God's concern for the marginalized and His call for His people to act justly. The Bible presents a clear expectation that believers should actively work to ensure justice for the poor, reflecting God's own character and His kingdom values.Old Testament Foundations The Old Testament lays a strong foundation for the treatment of the poor, with numerous laws and teachings that underscore the importance of justice. In Deuteronomy 15:11, the Israelites are commanded, "For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you to open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor in your land." This directive highlights the perpetual presence of poverty and the ongoing responsibility to address it. The prophets frequently called out Israel for failing to uphold justice for the poor. Isaiah 1:17 exhorts, "Learn to do right; seek justice. Correct the oppressor; defend the fatherless; plead the case of the widow." Similarly, Micah 6:8 famously summarizes God's requirements: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" Wisdom Literature The wisdom literature of the Old Testament also speaks to the treatment of the poor. Proverbs 31:8-9 instructs, "Open your mouth for those with no voice, for the cause of all the dispossessed. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy." These verses emphasize the responsibility to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. New Testament Teachings In the New Testament, Jesus' ministry is marked by a profound concern for the poor. In Luke 4:18, Jesus declares His mission: "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor." This proclamation sets the tone for His ministry, which consistently uplifted the downtrodden and challenged societal norms. The early church continued this emphasis on justice for the poor. In Galatians 2:10, Paul recounts the agreement with the apostles in Jerusalem: "They only asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do." This reflects the continuity of concern for the poor from the Old Testament into the life of the early church. Practical Implications The biblical call to do justice to the poor is not merely theoretical but demands practical action. James 2:15-17 challenges believers: "If a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, keep warm and well fed,' but does not provide for their physical needs, what good is that? So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." The call to justice for the poor is a call to reflect God's heart and character. It is a call to live out the gospel in tangible ways, ensuring that the needs of the poor are met and that they are treated with dignity and fairness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 82:3Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 22:3,16 Library Christ's Sermon on the Mount in Manner and Contents it So ... Justice Satisfied Now Suppose that While You were Writing This, as You Tell us You ... Testimonies. 1. Of the Benefit of Good Works and Mercy. Christians are the Sons of God. To the King of France Thirdly, for Thy Actions. "For what the Law could not Do, in that it was Weak Though the ... To the Rev. A. Brandram Jehoshaphat Resources How does oppressing the poor show contempt for their Maker (Proverbs 14:31)? | GotQuestions.orgIs it better, spiritually, to be poor than to be rich? | GotQuestions.org What is liberation theology? | GotQuestions.org Poor: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Poor: Atonement Money of, Uniform With That of the Rich People Poor: Inexpensive offerings of People Who Have Very Little Money Poor: Kindness to Congregations Poor: Kindness to Congregations of Macedonia and Achaia Poor: Kindness to Prophet's Widow Poor: Kindness to The Congregation at Antioch (In Syria) Poor: Kindness to The Good Samaritan Poor: Kindness to The Temanites Poor: Kindness to To the Widow of Zarephath Poor: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The Poor are Such by God's Appointment The Poor by Mocking, God is Reproached The Poor by Oppressing, God is Reproached The Poor: A Care For is a Fruit of Repentance The Poor: A Care For is Characteristic of Saints The Poor: A Care For: should be Urged The Poor: Care For-Illustrated The Poor: Christ Lived As One of The Poor: Condition of, often Results From: Bad Company The Poor: Condition of, often Results From: Drunkenness and Gluttony The Poor: Condition of, often Results From: Sloth The Poor: Give to not Grudgingly The Poor: Give to Specially If Saints The Poor: Give To without Ostentation The Poor: God is the Refuge of The Poor: God: Despises No the Prayer of The Poor: God: Maintains the Right of The Poor: God: Regards Equally With the Rich The Poor: Harden not the Heart Against The Poor: May Be: Rich in Faith The Poor: Neglect Towards Is: A Neglect of Christ The Poor: Neglect Towards Is: A Proof of Unbelief The Poor: Neglect Towards Is: Inconsistent With Love to God The Poor: Offerings of, Acceptable to God The Poor: Oppression of-Illustrated The Poor: Punishment For: Acting Unjustly Towards The Poor: Punishment For: Oppressing The Poor: Punishment For: Refusing to Assist The Poor: Punishment For: Spoiling The Poor: Regard For: Church at Antioch The Poor: Regard For: Churches of Macedonia and Achaia The Poor: Regard For: Cornelius The Poor: Regard For: Nebuzaradan The Poor: Regard For: Peter and John The Poor: Regard For: Zacchaeus The Poor: Rule Not, With Vigour The Poor: Shall Never Cease out of the Land The Poor: should Commit Themselves to God The Poor: should Provided for Under the Law The Poor: should Rejoice in God The Poor: should when Converted, Rejoice in Their Exaltation The Poor: Shut not the Hand Against The Poor: The Wicked: Care not For The Poor: The Wicked: Despise the Counsel of The Poor: The Wicked: Grind the Faces of The Poor: The Wicked: Persecute The Poor: The Wicked: Regard not the Cause of The Poor: The Wicked: Tread Down The Poor: They Who in Faith, Believe are Blessed The Poor: They Who in Faith, Believe are Happy The Poor: They Who in Faith, Believe: Have Promises The Poor: They Who in Faith, Believe: Have the Favour of God The Poor: Wrong not in Judgment Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |