<human>:  What does the bible say about poverty and how it should be handled?
<bot>: The Bible has numerous verses reminding us of the importance of helping the poor. In Proverbs 14:31 it says, “He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” In Luke 6:30 Jesus says, “Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.” And James 2:15-16 reads, “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?” These verses all emphasize the Christian duty to take care of the less fortunate, and although it goes unmentioned, it suggests that the individual should bear a responsibility for helping to alleviate poverty in whatever way possible.