Proverbs 14:21
Proverbs 14:21 in Multiple Translations
He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who shows kindness to the poor.
He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
He that despiseth his neighbor sinneth; But he that hath pity on the poor, happy is he.
He who has no respect for his neighbour is a sinner, but he who has pity for the poor is happy.
People who look down on their neighbors are sinners, but those who are kind to the poor are blessed.
The sinner despiseth his neighbour: but he that hath mercie on the poore, is blessed.
Whoso is despising his neighbour sinneth, Whoso is favouring the humble, O his happiness.
He who despises his neighbor sins, but he who has pity on the poor is blessed.
He that despiseth his neighbor sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
He that despiseth his neighbour, sinneth: but he that sheweth mercy to the poor, shall be blessed. He that believeth in the Lord, loveth mercy.
It is sinful to despise your poor neighbors; God is pleased with those who do kind things for the poor.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 14:21
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 14:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בָּז
לְ/רֵעֵ֥/הוּ
חוֹטֵ֑א
וּ/מְחוֹנֵ֖ן
עניים
עֲנָוִ֣ים
אַשְׁרָֽי/ו
בָּז
bûwz
H936
to despise
V-Qal
לְ/רֵעֵ֥/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
Prep | N-ms | Suff
חוֹטֵ֑א
châṭâʼ
H2398
to sin
V-Qal
וּ/מְחוֹנֵ֖ן
chânan
H2603
be gracious
Conj | V-m
עניים
ʻânîy
H6041
afflicted
Adj
עֲנָוִ֣ים
ʻânâv
H6035
poor
Adj
אַשְׁרָֽי/ו
ʼesher
H835
blessed
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 14:21
בָּז
bûwz
H936
"to despise"
V-Qal
To despise or hold in contempt is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which is used in the Bible to describe showing disrespect or disdain for someone or something, as seen in Proverbs. It can also mean to consider something insignificant. This term is translated as contemn or despise in the KJV Bible.
Definition: 1) to despise, hold in contempt, hold as insignificant 1a) (Qal) to despise, show despite toward
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: contemn, despise, [idiom] utterly. See also: Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 23:9; Proverbs 6:30.
לְ/רֵעֵ֥/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
חוֹטֵ֑א
châṭâʼ
H2398
"to sin"
V-Qal
To sin means to miss the mark or go wrong, incurring guilt or penalty, and can also mean to repent or make amends. It is used in the Bible to describe wrongdoing and its consequences.
Definition: 1) to sin, miss, miss the way, go wrong, incur guilt, forfeit, purify from uncleanness 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to miss 1a2) to sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty 1a3) to incur guilt, incur penalty by sin, forfeit 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bear loss 1b2) to make a sin-offering 1b3) to purify from sin 1b4) to purify from uncleanness 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to miss the mark 1c2) to induce to sin, cause to sin 1c3) to bring into guilt or condemnation or punishment 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to miss oneself, lose oneself, wander from the way 1d2) to purify oneself from uncleanness
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: bear the blame, cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass. See also: Genesis 20:6; 1 Kings 15:34; Psalms 4:5.
וּ/מְחוֹנֵ֖ן
chânan
H2603
"be gracious"
Conj | V-m
This Hebrew word means to show kindness or favor, often by bending or stooping to help someone in need, as seen in the actions of God towards his people.
Definition: 1) to be gracious, show favour, pity 1a) (Qal) to show favour, be gracious 1b) (Niphal) to be pitied 1c) (Piel) to make gracious, make favourable, be gracious 1d) (Poel) to direct favour to, have mercy on 1e) (Hophal) to be shown favour, be shown consideration 1f) (Hithpael) to seek favour, implore favour
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: beseech, [idiom] fair, (be, find, shew) favour(-able), be (deal, give, grant (gracious(-ly), intreat, (be) merciful, have (shew) mercy (on, upon), have pity upon, pray, make supplication, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 33:5; Psalms 37:21; Psalms 4:2.
עניים
ʻânîy
H6041
"afflicted"
Adj
This word describes someone who is depressed, humble, or weak, often due to difficult circumstances, as described in the Psalms and other biblical books.
Definition: 1) poor, afflicted, humble, wretched 1a) poor, needy 1b) poor and weak 1c) poor, weak, afflicted, wretched 1d) humble, lowly
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: afflicted, humble, lowly, needy, poor. See also: Exodus 22:24; Psalms 88:16; Psalms 9:13.
עֲנָוִ֣ים
ʻânâv
H6035
"poor"
Adj
To be poor or humble, often describing someone who is meek or weak. In the Bible, it can also mean to be afflicted or lowly, as seen in Matthew 5:5.
Definition: 1) poor, humble, afflicted, meek 1a) poor, needy 1b) poor and weak 1c) poor, weak and afflicted 1d) humble, lowly, meek
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: humble, lowly, meek, poor. Compare H6041 (עָנִי). See also: Numbers 12:3; Psalms 147:6; Psalms 9:13.
אַשְׁרָֽי/ו
ʼesher
H835
"blessed"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word means happiness or blessedness, often used to express how happy someone is. It appears in the Bible as an interjection, similar to 'how happy!' In the KJV, it is translated as 'blessed' or 'happy'.
Definition: 1) happiness, blessedness 1a) often used as interjection 1b) blessed are
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: blessed, happy. See also: Deuteronomy 33:29; Psalms 119:2; Psalms 1:1.
Study Notes — Proverbs 14:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 14:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 14:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 14:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 14:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 14:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 14:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 14:21
- Sermons on Proverbs 14:21
Context — The Wise Woman
19The evil bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20The poor man is hated even by his neighbor, but many are those who love the rich.
21He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who shows kindness to the poor.
22Do not those who contrive evil go astray? But those who plan goodness find loving devotion and faithfulness. 23There is profit in all labor, but mere talk leads only to poverty.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 19:17 | Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender. |
| 2 | Proverbs 28:27 | Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses. |
| 3 | Proverbs 11:12 | Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks judgment, but a man of understanding remains silent. |
| 4 | Proverbs 17:5 | He who mocks the poor insults their Maker; whoever gloats over calamity will not go unpunished. |
| 5 | 1 John 3:17–22 | If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth. And by this we will know that we belong to the truth, and will assure our hearts in His presence: Even if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts, and He knows all things. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God, and we will receive from Him whatever we ask, because we keep His commandments and do what is pleasing in His sight. |
| 6 | Proverbs 14:31 | Whoever oppresses the poor taunts their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him. |
| 7 | Proverbs 18:3 | With a wicked man comes contempt as well, and shame is accompanied by disgrace. |
| 8 | Job 31:13–15 | If I have rejected the cause of my manservant or maidservant when they made a complaint against me, what will I do when God rises to judge? How will I answer when called to account? Did not He who made me in the womb also make them? Did not the same One form us in the womb? |
| 9 | Psalms 22:24 | For He has not despised or detested the torment of the afflicted. He has not hidden His face from him, but has attended to his cry for help. |
| 10 | Ecclesiastes 11:1–2 | Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again. Divide your portion among seven, or even eight, for you do not know what disaster may befall the land. |
Proverbs 14:21 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 14:21, reminds us that treating others with contempt or disrespect is a sin, but showing kindness to those in need brings blessing. We can show kindness by giving to those who are less fortunate, visiting the sick, or simply being a good friend to those around us (as seen in Galatians 6:2). By choosing to love and care for others, we reflect the heart of God, who loves and cares for us. As we obey God's commands to love our neighbors, we can trust that He will provide for us and bless us, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to despise my neighbor?
To despise someone means to have contempt or scorn for them, which is a form of sin, as seen in Proverbs 14:21. This can be demonstrated through actions or attitudes, as warned against in Matthew 22:39, where we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Why is showing kindness to the poor important?
Showing kindness to the poor is important because it reflects a heart of compassion and obedience to God's commands, such as in Proverbs 19:17, where it says that whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done.
How can I balance the desire to help the poor with the reality of my own limited resources?
We can balance our desire to help the poor with our limited resources by trusting in God's provision, as seen in Philippians 4:19, and by giving what we can, whether it be time, money, or other resources, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 9:7, where it says that each one should give as they have decided in their heart.
What is the blessing promised to those who show kindness to the poor?
The blessing promised to those who show kindness to the poor is not explicitly defined in Proverbs 14:21, but it can be inferred to include spiritual blessings, such as a deeper sense of joy and fulfillment, as well as potentially material blessings, as seen in Psalm 41:1-3, where it says that those who consider the poor will be blessed and delivered by the Lord in times of trouble.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show kindness to those in need around me, and how can I make this a regular part of my life?
- How do I currently view those who are less fortunate than me, and are there any attitudes or biases that I need to repent of and change?
- What are some practical steps I can take to demonstrate love and compassion to my neighbors, as commanded in Mark 12:31?
- In what ways can I trust God to provide for me and others, even when resources seem limited, as encouraged in Matthew 6:25-34?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 14:21
He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth,.... He that despiseth his neighbour in his heart, speaks slightly of him, overlooks him, is not friendly to him, will neither converse with him, nor relieve
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 14:21
He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he. He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth - grievously.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 14:21
That despiseth his neighbour; that doth not pity and relieve the poor, as this is explained in the next clause; the word neighbour being here generally taken for any man, as it is most commonly used in Scripture; which not relieving him proceeds from a contempt of his person. Sinneth; and therefore shall be punished for his inhumanity, which is opposed to his being happy in the next clause. That hath mercy; that showeth his compassion by his bounty and relief. Happy is he; he doth a worthy action, and shall be blessed in his deed.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 14:21
Proverbs 14:21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy [is] he.Ver. 21. He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth.] His poor neighbour. Where the hedge is low the beast will easily break over. None usually are so trampled on with the feet of pride and contempt, by the great bulls of Bashan, as the necessitous and afflicted. Hence "poor" and "afflicted" are set together; so are "to want" and "to be abased." This is a great sin, saith Solomon; it is to commit sin and to "be convinced of the law" as transgressors, saith St James. But he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.] His sins shall be remitted, his necessities relieved, and the blessings of God multiplied upon him, even a μυριομακαριστης. See my "Common Place of Alms."
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 14:21
Verse 21. He that despiseth his neighbor sinneth] To despise a man because he has some natural blemish is unjust, cruel, and wicked. He is not the author of his own imperfections; they did not occur through his fault or folly; and if he could, he would not retain them. It is, therefore, unjust and wicked to despise him for what is not his fault, but his misfortune. But he that hath mercy on the poor] Who reproaches no man for his poverty or scanty intellect, but divides his bread with the hungry-happy is he; the blessing of God, and of them that were ready to perish, shall come upon him.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 14:21
21. Sinneth — Misses, blunders. Although one proverb frequently seems to have no relation either to a preceding or a succeeding one, yet in this case the conclusion can hardly be resisted that this
Sermons on Proverbs 14:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Testimony - Part 3 by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the overwhelming number of people in need in Hong Kong. They express a desire to understand and love the people in their community, but feel |
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Message 11 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the practical wisdom found in the book of Proverbs. He emphasizes the importance of hard work and warns against mere talk that leads to pove |
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(The Lord - Merciful and Gracious) 3. the Lord on the Side of the Poor and Needy by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing the dramatic and thunderous opening of the sermon, comparing it to the witches in Hammett's play. The speaker then mentions a beaut |
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(Proverbs) ch.14:4 - 15:5 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on various verses from the book of Proverbs. He starts by discussing the concept of having oxen and the importance of keeping the stable clean, |
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William Booth Recording (Audio Restored) by William Booth | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the various struggles and hardships faced by different groups of people in society. He mentions the unemployed, criminals, and women engaged |
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The Preeminence of Christ by Erlo Stegen | The video is a sermon transcript discussing the impact of Jesus' birth and death on the world. It emphasizes that the birth of Jesus has changed the world, while also highlighting |
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46 - Questions on the Church Response to the Opening of North Korea by Ben Torrey | In this sermon transcript, the speaker discusses the importance of addressing questions related to the Church's response to the opening of North Korea. They emphasize the need for |