He who despises his neighbor sinsDespising one's neighbor is a direct violation of the command to love one's neighbor as oneself, a principle found in
Leviticus 19:18 and reiterated by Jesus in
Matthew 22:39. In biblical times, neighbors were not just those living in close proximity but included fellow members of the community and even foreigners residing among them. The Hebrew word for "despises" implies a deep-seated contempt or disdain, which is contrary to the spirit of unity and love that God desires among His people. This phrase underscores the moral and ethical responsibility to treat others with respect and dignity, reflecting the image of God in every person. The sin here is not just a social faux pas but a transgression against God's law, highlighting the seriousness of harboring ill will towards others.
but blessed is he who shows kindness to the poor
The concept of blessing in the Bible often denotes a state of happiness or divine favor. Showing kindness to the poor is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing God's concern for the marginalized and vulnerable.Proverbs 19:17 states, "Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done." This reflects the idea that acts of kindness are not only moral obligations but also opportunities to serve God directly. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, the poor were often landless, without means of support, and reliant on the generosity of others. The call to show kindness is a call to action, encouraging believers to reflect God's compassion and justice. This phrase also points to the character of Jesus Christ, who exemplified perfect kindness and compassion, particularly towards the poor and needy, as seen in His ministry throughout the Gospels.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
NeighborIn the context of Proverbs, a neighbor refers to anyone in close proximity, not just geographically but also relationally. This includes family, friends, and community members.
2.
The PoorThis term refers to those who are economically disadvantaged or marginalized in society. The Bible often emphasizes the importance of caring for the poor as a reflection of God's justice and mercy.
3.
SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom. His proverbs often provide practical guidance for righteous living.
Teaching Points
The Sin of Despising OthersDespising or looking down on others, especially those close to us, is considered sinful. This attitude reflects a lack of love and compassion, which are central to Christian living.
The Blessing of KindnessShowing kindness, particularly to the poor, is not only a moral duty but also brings blessings. This aligns with the biblical principle that God honors those who care for the marginalized.
Reflecting God's CharacterAs Christians, we are called to reflect God's character, which includes mercy and compassion. Our treatment of others, especially the vulnerable, should mirror God's love.
Practical Love in ActionLove is not just a feeling but an action. Practical expressions of love, such as helping those in need, are essential to living out our faith.
Community and ResponsibilityWe have a responsibility to our community, which includes caring for our neighbors and the poor. This fosters a sense of unity and reflects the body of Christ.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 14:21?
2.How does Proverbs 14:21 define the consequences of despising one's neighbor?
3.What actions demonstrate "kindness to the poor" in Proverbs 14:21?
4.How can we apply Proverbs 14:21 to modern community relationships?
5.Which New Testament teachings align with Proverbs 14:21's message on kindness?
6.How can Proverbs 14:21 guide our daily interactions with others?
7.How does Proverbs 14:21 define sin in terms of our treatment of others?
8.What does Proverbs 14:21 suggest about the relationship between happiness and kindness?
9.How does Proverbs 14:21 challenge societal views on wealth and poverty?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 14?
11.Should you love your neighbor and hate your enemy?
12.Why does Proverbs 6:20-35 focus so intensely on adultery and lust but offer little instruction on other pressing moral or societal issues?
13.Proverbs 25:21-22 - Does instructing believers to 'heap burning coals' on an enemy's head conflict with later biblical teachings on compassion and forgiveness?
14.Proverbs 22:10: How do we reconcile the call to 'drive out the mocker' with the New Testament emphasis on love, forgiveness, and inclusion?What Does Proverbs 14:21 Mean
He who despises his neighbor• “Neighbor” reaches further than family or friends; it is anyone God places near us (Leviticus 19:18;Luke 10:36–37).
• To despise is to look down on, reject, or treat with contempt—whether through words, attitudes, or silent neglect (Romans 14:10).
• Solomon reminds us that relationships are God-given trust accounts; how we handle them reflects our view of the Lord (1 John 4:20–21).
…sins• The verse does not soften the verdict: despising a neighbor “sins.” It is rebellion against God’s command to love (James 2:8–9).
• Contempt for people violates the sixth commandment in seed form (Matthew 5:21–22).
• Sin here includes any favoritism that honors the influential and ignores the vulnerable (Proverbs 17:5;James 2:1–4).
but blessed• Scripture links blessing with obedience that mirrors God’s heart (Psalm 1:1–3).
• The contrast heightens the choice: curse of sin or blessing of kindness (Deuteronomy 30:19).
• Blessing is more than material reward; it is the joy of God’s smile and the inner freedom that comes from walking in His ways (Acts 20:35).
…is he who shows kindness to the poor• “Kindness” is practical mercy—food, advocacy, friendship, financial help (Isaiah 58:6–10).
• The poor are singled out because they cannot repay; our motives are laid bare (Luke 14:13–14).
• God counts generosity to the needy as a personal loan to Himself (Proverbs 19:17).
• Jesus confirms the principle: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me” (Matthew 25:40).
• Early believers remembered this priority even amid doctrinal debates (Galatians 2:10).
• Serving the poor is a lived testimony that faith is alive (1 John 3:17–18;James 2:15–17).
summaryProverbs 14:21 draws a sharp line between contempt and compassion. Treating any neighbor with disdain is sin, because it defies God’s command to love. In contrast, God pronounces blessing on those who actively extend kindness to the poor. Choosing compassion aligns us with the Lord’s own heart, opens us to His favor, and turns everyday encounters into opportunities for eternal impact.
Verse 21. -
He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth. Taken in connection with the preceding verse, this teaches that it is a sin to despise and shun a man because he is poor or of low estate; such a one has a claim for love and pity, and it is a crime to withhold them from him for selfish considerations. The Christian view is taught by the parable of the good Samaritan.
But he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he; hail to him! (
Proverbs 16:20). Contempt is contrasted with mercy, sin with blessing. "Blessed are the merciful," said Christ (
Matthew 5:7): "for they shall obtain mercy;" and St. Paul preserves another precious word, "It is mere blessed to give than to receive" (
Acts 20:35). The merciful disposition, which shows itself in works of mercy, is a proof that the soul is in union with God, whose mercy is over all his works, whose mercy endureth forever, and therefore such a soul is blessed. "The poor," wrote James Howell, "are God's receivers, and the angels are his auditors" ('Five Hundred New Sayings'). The Vulgate here appends a line absent from the Hebrew and the ether versions, "He who believeth in the Lord loveth mercy." The true believer is charitable and bountiful, knowing that he will not hereby impoverish himself, but lay up a rich store of blessing; he acts thus not from mere philanthropy, but from higher motives: he has the grace of charity which springs from and rests upon his faith in God.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
He who despisesבָּז־(bāz-)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 936:To disrespecthis neighborלְרֵעֵ֥הוּ(lə·rê·‘ê·hū)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7453:Friend, companion, fellowsins,חוֹטֵ֑א(ḥō·w·ṭê)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2398:To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemnbut blessed isאַשְׁרָֽיו׃(’aš·rāw)Interjection | third person masculine singular
Strong's 835:Happiness, interjection, how happy!he who shows kindnessוּמְחוֹנֵ֖ן(ū·mə·ḥō·w·nên)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2603:To bend, stoop in kindness to an inferior, to favor, bestow, to imploreto the poor.עֲנָוִ֣ים(‘ă·nā·wîm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 6041:Poor, afflicted, humble
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 14:21 He who despises his neighbor sins (Prov. Pro Pr) 
