What Does It Mean to be Poor in Spirit. I've been pondering that portion of scripture for some time now. (Matthew 5 - from The Beatitudes). I've been asking myself if I am Poor In Spirit. I don't think I always am. As a matter of fact, I doubt think many people are. But I do think that many people, if they truly understood what Jesus meant by that statement would want to be poor in Spirit. However, what I'm learning about that statement is that it is the opposite of what the world would have us be. The world wants us to be self-sufficient, proud and godless.