Proverbs 14:21

He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who shows kindness to the poor.

Study Bible

He who despises his neighbor
The Hebrew word for "despises" is "בּוּז" (buz), which conveys a sense of contempt or disdain. In the ancient Near Eastern context, community and neighborly relationships were vital for survival and social stability. To despise one's neighbor was not only a personal failing but a disruption to the communal harmony that God intended. The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of loving one's neighbor, as seen in Leviticus 19:18, which Jesus later affirms as one of the greatest commandments (Matthew 22:39). This phrase challenges believers to examine their attitudes towards those around them, urging them to foster love and respect rather than contempt.

sins
The Hebrew term for "sins" here is "חָטָא" (chata), which means to miss the mark or to err. In the biblical sense, sin is not merely a legalistic breach of rules but a deviation from God's righteous path. Despising one's neighbor is seen as a moral failure that distances a person from God's will. This highlights the gravity of interpersonal relationships in the eyes of God, where sin is not just a personal issue but a communal one, affecting the fabric of society and one's relationship with the divine.

but blessed is he
The word "blessed" in Hebrew is "אַשְׁרֵי" (ashrei), which implies a state of happiness or contentment that comes from living in alignment with God's will. This blessing is not merely material but spiritual, reflecting a deep-seated joy and peace. The contrast between sin and blessing in this verse underscores the biblical principle that true happiness is found in obedience to God's commands, particularly in how we treat others.

who shows kindness
The Hebrew word for "kindness" is "חֶסֶד" (chesed), a rich term that encompasses love, mercy, and faithfulness. Chesed is a key attribute of God's character, often translated as "lovingkindness" or "steadfast love" in the Old Testament. To show kindness is to reflect God's own nature, embodying His love and compassion in our interactions with others. This phrase calls believers to be conduits of God's grace, extending mercy and love to those in need.

to the poor
The Hebrew word for "poor" is "עָנִי" (ani), referring to those who are economically disadvantaged or oppressed. In the biblical context, the poor were often marginalized and vulnerable, and God repeatedly commands His people to care for them (Deuteronomy 15:11, Isaiah 58:7). This phrase emphasizes the importance of social justice and compassion, reminding believers that true religion involves caring for the least among us. The verse concludes with a call to action, urging Christians to live out their faith through tangible acts of kindness and support for those in need.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Neighbor
In 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 Poor
This 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. Solomon
Traditionally 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 Others
Despising 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 Kindness
Showing 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 Character
As 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 Action
Love 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 Responsibility
We 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

1. How does the concept of "neighbor" in Proverbs 14:21 challenge our understanding of who we are called to love and serve?

2. In what ways can we practically show kindness to the poor in our community today?

3. How does despising a neighbor manifest in modern contexts, and what are the spiritual consequences of such attitudes?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced or witnessed the blessing of showing kindness. How did it impact your faith journey?

5. How do the teachings in James 2:14-17 about faith and works relate to the message in Proverbs 14:21? How can this understanding influence our daily actions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 19:18
This verse commands love for one's neighbor, which aligns with the teaching in Proverbs 14:21 about not despising one's neighbor.

Matthew 25:40
Jesus teaches that kindness to the least of these is akin to kindness to Him, reinforcing the blessing of showing kindness to the poor.

James 2:14-17
James discusses faith and works, emphasizing that true faith is demonstrated through actions, such as helping those in need.