It is not from your own possessions that you are bestowing alms on the poor; you are but restoring to them what is theirs by right. For what was given to everyone for the use of all, you have taken for your exclusive use. The earth belongs not to the rich, but to everyone.  Thus, far from giving lavishly, you are but paying part of your debt.
St. Ambrose

Poverty is the worst form of violence.
Mahatma Gandhi

It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish.
Mother Teresa

Wealth and poverty: the one is the parent of luxury and indolence, and the other of meanness and viciousness, and both of discontent.
Plato

Poverty is the open-mouthed relentless hell which yawns beneath civilized society.  And it is hell enough.
Henry George