The issue of economic inequality, where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer, is complex and controversial. There are differing perspectives on this issue among Christians, with some seeing wealth and poverty addressed from different vantage points in the Bible. Looking at key passages can help shed light on what Scripture says about wealth, poverty, and the growing divide between the rich and poor.
Old Testament Perspective
The Old Testament speaks frequently about God’s concern for the poor and vulnerable. Passages in the Law commanding care for the poor and condemning oppression reflect God’s compassion and call for justice (Exodus 23:11, Leviticus 25:35-38, Deuteronomy 15:7-11). The prophets voiced strong warnings against greed, materialism, and neglect of the poor (Isaiah 58:3-7, Jeremiah 5:26-29, Ezekiel 18:12-13).
Proverbs contains wisdom and warnings about pursuit of riches. For example, Proverbs 23:4 advises, “Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.” And Proverbs 28:6 says, “Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse.”
The story of Job illustrates how wealth, health, and success can vanish. Job was a wealthy and righteous man who lost everything, showing that economic stability is never guaranteed in this life. Ecclesiastes also warns against finding ultimate meaning in wealth, which is fleeting (Ecclesiastes 5:10).
Some point to the Old Testament concept of cycles of obedience and prosperity, disobedience and poverty among the Israelites. They see poverty as the result of personal or national sin. However, others challenge this view as an over-simplification, noting the complexity of causes of poverty, the suffering of the godly poor like Job, and God’s compassion for the poor regardless of reasons for their plight.
New Testament Themes
Jesus repeatedly expressed compassion for the poor and marginalized. He modeled a servant mentality of humility, highlighting the dangers of spiritual decay with riches (Matthew 19:23-24). He taught the importance of serving “the least of these,” equating it with serving him (Matthew 25:31-46). Jesus’ ministry and message focused significantly on lifting up the lowly.
The early church depicted in Acts took special efforts to address poverty and share wealth (Acts 2:42-47, 4:32-35). James critiqued the corrupt rich who were defrauding laborers and living in self-indulgence (James 5:1-6).
The Apostle Paul gave extensive instructions on giving generously and warned against the love of money (1 Timothy 6:3-10, 17-19). He spread a collection among Gentile Christians to help the poor in the Jerusalem church (1 Corinthians 16:1-4, 2 Corinthians 8-9).
Biblical scholars note recurring New Testament themes around use of possessions, eternal focus versus materialism, greed as idolatry, compassion for the disadvantaged, and the need for justice.
Causes of Poverty and Inequality
The Bible depicts several potential causes of poverty and inequality, many echoing those still observed today:
- Oppression and exploitation of the poor by the powerful and unjust (Isaiah 10:1-2, Amos 5:11-12, James 5:1-6)
- Disasters, famines, wars causing loss of livelihoods (Genesis 41:56, Job 1:13-19)
- Laziness, folly, indulgence, and poor choices (Proverbs 6:10-11, 13:4, 21:17)
- Physical and mental disabilities restricting ability to earn income (Mark 2:1-12, John 9:1-3)
In addition to these individual and community factors, larger systemic issues around power, policies, access, discrimination, education, and ethics can concentrate wealth in the hands of a few while limiting economic mobility for the disadvantaged. The Bible does not support the idea that poverty results solely from personal moral failings.
Addressing Inequality
Christians hold diverse political views on how to best address economic inequality. Some emphasize individual generosity and local church efforts. Others advocate for policy changes to promote greater equity and justice. Examples of biblical principles to guide responses include:
- Defend the cause of the poor and needy (Proverbs 31:8-9)
- Correct oppression and promote justice (Leviticus 19:15, Isaiah 1:16-17)
- Pay fair wages to workers (Jeremiah 22:13-17, James 5:4-5)
- Create opportunity for those in poverty (Leviticus 25:35-43, Luke 14:12-14)
- Care personally for the poor and marginalized (Deuteronomy 15:11, Matthew 25:34-40)
- Beware partiality against the poor and pity without helping (Leviticus 19:15, James 2:14-17)
- Share with those in need (Luke 3:11, Acts 2:44-45, 1 John 3:17-18)
In light of these principles, Christians support a variety of anti-poverty policies: job creation, affordable housing, worker protections, criminal justice reform, non-discrimination, access to healthcare and education, generous social welfare, and equitable tax structures. They may disagree on which policies are most effective, but share concerns about how extremes of inequality imperil human dignity and justice.
Wealth and Discipleship
For individual Christians, the Bible warns of significant spiritual dangers associated with wealth if possessions become an idol or hinder devotion to God (Matthew 6:24, Luke 12:15). Wealth also carries responsibilities for good stewardship to advance God’s purposes on earth (1 Timothy 6:17-19).
At the same time, Scripture does not condemn all wealth. Many biblical figures like Abraham and Job were very wealthy. The Bible rejects a simplistic, romanticized view of poverty. Rather, it challenges believers to hold material possessions loosely, remaining focused on eternal priorities and God’s abundance versus clinging to worldly wealth. (Ecclesiastes 5:19, Luke 12:22-31).
Conclusion
In examining what the Bible says about inequality and poverty, several key themes emerge:
- God cares deeply for the poor and marginalized.
- Compassion, justice and community are needed to address diverse causes of poverty.
- Loving God and loving neighbor go hand in hand.
- Wealth poses significant spiritual risks if misused or idolized.
- All resources should be stewarded justly for God’s glory.
Scripture offers wisdom and principles but rarely detailed economic policy. Well-meaning Christians take a spectrum of approaches to inequality. While disagreeing on methods, Christians concur that Scripture compels us to care for the poor and seek a society that upholds dignity, fairness, and opportunity for all people.
Over 2000 years, these biblical values have inspired Christian efforts to address poverty like establishing hospitals and orphanages, providing disaster relief, starting schools, feeding the hungry, and advocating for prisoners and slaves. Whether through charity, community development, entrepreneurship, public policy, ethical business, or other spheres, Christians have creatively dedicated themselves to the biblical call to lift up the lowly.
In our age of unprecedented global prosperity alongside vast poverty, Christians maintain this integral commitment to justice and compassion. They continue debating political solutions while finding common cause in hands-on service to the disadvantaged. Acting on biblical principles amid differing views, Christians today carry forward Jesus Christ’s mission to bring good news to the poor and liberty to the oppressed (Luke 4:18-19).