Lacking in material goods. In certain contexts, encountered primarily in Proverbs, poverty is the consequence of moral lassitude, especially laziness (Prov 13:18; Prov 20:13). In its primary biblical sense, however, poverty is understood not as a consequence of personal failings, but as a result of social factors, particularly injustice (Prov 13:23). Thus, the responsibility of redressing the plight of the poor is fundamental to biblical faith, since the God of Israel is a God who hears the cries of the poor (Ps 12:5). In the law attention is given to social structures that affect the poor (Exod 23:11; Lev 19:9-10; Deut 15:2; Deut 23:24-25). There is to be open-handed sharing with the poor (Deut 15:11; Luke 12:33). The Bible also maintains that the ideal ruler is to be one who assumes responsibility for delivering the poor and crushing oppressors (Ps 72:4). It is part of the messianic expectation (Isa 11:4) fulfilled in Jesus (Luke 1:52-53; Luke 4:18-21). The hope for “good news proclaimed to the poor” (Luke 4:18; Luke 7:22) was ancient (Ps 68:10-11; Isa 29:18-19; Isa 35:4-6). The Beatitude concerning the poor in Luke emphasizes God’s siding with the poor against the wealthy (Luke 6:20, Luke 6:24). A major concern of Paul was to make a collection for the poor in Jerusalem (Rom 15:26; 2Cor 8-9). His purpose was that there be “fair balance” (2Cor 8:13-15).
