Helping the poor and homeless is more than just a kind act—it’s a deeply spiritual calling. The Bible is full of verses that remind us how much God cares for those in need and how He expects us, as His followers, to do the same.
When we serve the hungry, shelter the homeless, and show kindness to the vulnerable, we’re not just doing good—we’re reflecting the heart of God.
In a world filled with need, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure about where to start. But Scripture gives us both encouragement and direction. Whether it’s a call to give generously, care for widows and orphans, or to simply open our hearts to those struggling, God’s Word makes it clear: helping the poor and homeless is a holy responsibility.
Here are 35 Bible verses about helping the poor and homeless, each one offering wisdom, comfort, and a reminder of what really matters.
1. Proverbs 19:17
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.
Explanation:
Helping the poor is seen as lending to God Himself. He doesn’t forget acts of kindness and generosity.
2. Matthew 25:35-36
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink…
Explanation:
Jesus teaches that serving others is the same as serving Him, especially when we care for the most vulnerable.
3. Isaiah 58:7
Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter…
Explanation:
True worship includes action—feeding the hungry and giving shelter to the homeless.
4. Luke 3:11
Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.
Explanation:
Generosity starts with sharing what we have, even the basics.
5. Deuteronomy 15:11
There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded…
Explanation:
Helping those in need is not optional—it’s a command from God.
6. Proverbs 14:31
Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
Explanation:
How we treat the poor reflects our respect for God, who created all people.
7. James 2:15-16
Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace…” but does nothing…
Explanation:
Faith without action is empty. Real faith is shown through care and provision for others.
8. 1 John 3:17
If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity…
Explanation:
Love for God is shown through compassion for those in need.
9. Psalm 82:3-4
Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.
Explanation:
God calls His people to speak up and act on behalf of the vulnerable and voiceless.
10. Luke 14:13-14
But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind…
Explanation:
Jesus encourages radical hospitality, especially toward those who can’t repay us.
11. Proverbs 22:9
The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.
Explanation:
Generosity leads to blessings, especially when we feed those who are hungry.
12. Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed…
Explanation:
God wants justice for the poor—not just handouts but dignity and advocacy.
13. Galatians 2:10
All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor…
Explanation:
Even in the early church, caring for the poor was a central part of Christian life.
14. Job 31:16-17
If I have denied the desires of the poor or let the eyes of the widow grow weary…
Explanation:
Job reflects on his life, showing that ignoring the needy is a serious issue.
15. Psalm 41:1
Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of trouble.
Explanation:
God honors those who care for the poor with His protection and favor.
16. Acts 20:35
It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Explanation:
Jesus’ words remind us that joy and blessing come through giving.
17. Leviticus 25:35
If any of your fellow Israelites become poor and are unable to support themselves among you…
Explanation:
God’s law included detailed instructions for caring for the poor among His people.
18. Matthew 19:21
If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor…
Explanation:
Jesus challenges a rich man to surrender wealth for the sake of others and eternal treasure.
19. Romans 12:13
Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Explanation:
Generosity and hospitality are part of everyday Christian living.
20. Ezekiel 16:49
Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned…
Explanation:
Neglecting the poor is seen as a serious moral failing, not just a social issue.
21. Proverbs 31:8-9
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves…
Explanation:
We are called not only to give but also to be a voice for justice and dignity.
22. Psalm 140:12
I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor…
Explanation:
God Himself defends the poor. We join Him when we do the same.
23. Luke 12:33
Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out…
Explanation:
Investing in others is investing in heaven.
24. Amos 5:24
But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!
Explanation:
God desires justice to flow continually, especially for the poor and oppressed.
25. Zechariah 7:10
Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor.
Explanation:
God’s concern extends to all who are vulnerable, urging us to act with compassion.
26. Matthew 5:42
Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Explanation:
Generosity should be our instinct—not reluctance or hesitation.
27. Proverbs 28:27
Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.
Explanation:
God promises provision for those who help the poor, and warns against ignoring their need.
28. 2 Corinthians 9:7
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give…
Explanation:
God loves cheerful giving—not obligation, but willing generosity.
29. Psalm 9:18
But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish.
Explanation:
Even when the world overlooks them, God sees and cares deeply for the poor.
30. 1 Timothy 6:18
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
Explanation:
We are called to use our blessings to help others, especially those in need.
31. Deuteronomy 24:19
When you are harvesting… leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow…
Explanation:
God built compassion into daily life, asking people to leave food for the poor.
32. Jeremiah 22:16
He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well…
Explanation:
Justice and compassion lead to peace and blessing in society.
33. Nehemiah 5:11
Give back to them immediately their fields, vineyards, olive groves and houses…
Explanation:
Nehemiah called for economic justice, restoring what was taken from the poor.
34. Matthew 6:2
So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets…
Explanation:
Help others quietly and sincerely—not for praise, but out of love.
35. Galatians 6:2
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Explanation:
Helping others, especially the poor and burdened, is how we live out Jesus’ love.
Conclusion
Caring for the poor and homeless is not just a kind gesture—it’s a calling from God. Through these 35 Bible verses about helping the poor and homeless, we see the heart of God clearly: a heart that loves justice, values generosity, and expects His people to care deeply for others.
Whether through a meal, a smile, a donation, or a helping hand, every act of kindness matters. Let these verses be your guide, your motivation, and your reminder that when you serve the least of these, you serve Christ Himself.
What verse encouraged you the most today?
Share your favorite Scripture or a story of how you’ve helped—or been helped—in the comments below. Let’s inspire each other to live out God’s love every day.