Question: .

What does the Bible say about begging? Thank You!

Salim

Answer:

Answer: Dear Salim,

The Bible does not have any direct prohibitions against begging, nor does it have any imperatives or commands that direct believers to beg.

The weight of Scripture would support hard work, enterprise, and thrift. Scripture also supports and commands giving, stewardship, helping, and serving. Scripture supports taking care of those who are penniless so that they are not reduced to begging.

Unfortunately, many who beg today are not in need, and are simply scam artists - and "make a bad name" for those who are truly in need. Christians should not harden their hearts to those in need simply because there are some who are dishonest. But, we should also try - within our own family, our own church, our community - and as we are politically involved in civic, state, and national issues - to take care of those who are in genuine need so that they are not reduced to begging.

In Christ,

Greg Albrecht