Matthew 5:2-3

And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Note: This is the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount; definition of poor

Similar Old Testament Verses

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit

Psalm 34:18

For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.

Isaiah 57:15

Thus says the LORD: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool…. All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the LORD. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.

Isaiah 66:1-2

For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar.

Psalm 138:6

One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.

Proverbs 29:23

For you save a humble people, but the haughty eyes you bring down.

Psalm 18:27

He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way

Psalm 25:9

The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life.

Proverbs 22:4

It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud.

Proverbs 16:19

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.

Proverbs 11:2

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations.

Psalm 145:13

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Micah 6:8

Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.