Bible Verses About Wealth and Poverty

Scriptures about wealth, poverty, God's concern for the poor, and the responsibilities of the rich.

King James Version
2The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.
Proverbs 22:2
17Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
1 Timothy 6:17
24And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
Matthew 19:24
17He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
Proverbs 19:17
5Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
James 2:5
20And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.
Luke 6:20
6Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
Proverbs 28:6
24No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Matthew 6:24
10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
1 Timothy 6:10
8Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: 9Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.
Proverbs 30:8-9
11For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.
Deuteronomy 15:11

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MoneyGenerosityJusticeCompassion

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Bible say about wealth?

The Bible presents a nuanced view of wealth. It warns that loving money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10) and that it's hard for the rich to enter heaven (Matthew 19:24). Yet wealth itself isn't condemned — rather its misuse and the pride it can breed. The rich are instructed to be generous (1 Timothy 6:17-18).

What does the Bible say about the poor?

God shows special concern for the poor throughout Scripture. Proverbs 19:17 says lending to the poor is lending to God. James 2:5 says God chose the poor to be rich in faith. Deuteronomy 15:11 commands open-handedness toward the needy.

Does God want all Christians to be wealthy?

Christians hold different views. Prosperity theology teaches that faith leads to material blessings, citing Deuteronomy 28 and Malachi 3:10. Others point to Jesus's poverty, Paul's contentment in need (Philippians 4:12), and warnings against wealth (Luke 6:24) as evidence that godliness does not guarantee material prosperity. Most traditions teach faithful stewardship regardless of economic status.