What does the Bible say about the poor?

The scriptures highlight that wealth does not guarantee righteousness, nor does poverty dictate one's spiritual condition. Proverbs 19:7 illustrates the disdain that often falls upon the poor, emphasizing that even friends may abandon them. However, through the story of Lazarus and the rich man in Luke 16, we see that God does not view persons through the lens of their earthly status. Lazarus is comforted posthumously, emphasizing that God's mercy and grace supersede worldly judgments. This teaches us that spiritual poverty—acknowledgment of our need for God's grace—is essential for salvation.