Continued …
what the bible says about poverty
The end of poverty nears When God’s Son said the poor would always be present, he was describing life under human rule.
‘You always have the poor with you.’ ,(Matthew, 26:11)
Human plans can ease hardship for a while, but they can’t remove poverty for good. Over time, every system has left some people without basics because disasters, war, bad leadership, unfair laws, sickness, and loss can wipe out security fast. Also, some hardship comes from harmful choices, such as addiction or waste.
God’s view of poverty in the Law
The Scriptures don’t present God as indifferent. Israel’s Law protected families, property, and dignity. It allowed the poor to gather food from what landowners left behind.
‘When you reap the harvest of your land, you must not reap the edge of your field completely, and you must not gather the gleanings of your harvest. You must leave them for the poor and the foreign resident. I am Jehovah your God.’ ,(Leviticus, 23:22)
It also blocked predatory lending that traps the needy.
‘If you lend money to my people, to the poor among you, you must not become like a moneylender to him. You must not charge him interest.’ ,(Exodus, 22:25)
Practical care among true worshippers
God’s Son backed up his teaching with action. His followers also organised relief for those in need. At the same time, the Bible shows balance, it comforts victims of oppression, yet it warns against a reckless life that leads to want.
Security for those who put God first
The Bible doesn’t promise wealth. It does promise that God sees faithful people and knows what they need. That’s why God’s Son told his followers to put God’s rule first, instead of living in constant fear about food and clothing.
‘Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you.’ ,(Matthew, 6:33)
Not with us forever
The words about always having the poor apply to this present system, not God’s future. Scripture says the poor won’t be forgotten.
‘For the poor will not always be forgotten; Nor will the hope of the meek ever perish.’ ,(Psalm, 9:18)
God will replace today’s failing rule with his Kingdom.
‘In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin. And the kingdom itself will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it itself will stand to times indefinite.’ ,(Daniel, 2:44)
Under that rule, the King will protect those who have no helper, and poverty will end for good.
‘For he will rescue the poor who cry for help, The lowly one and anyone who has no helper. He will have pity on the lowly and the poor, And the lives of the poor he will save.’ ,(Psalm, 72:12, 13)
conclusion
Global poverty persists because human systems are limited and flawed. No policy or institution can fully heal this brokenness. Ultimately, only God possesses the power to end suffering completely and restore justice where humanity cannot.