What does "derides his neighbor" reveal about the consequences of prideful behavior? \Setting the Passage in View\ “ He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who shows kindness to the poor.” (Proverbs 14:21) \Unpacking “derides his neighbor”\ • “Derides” (or “despises,” “shows contempt”) pictures a heart that looks down on others, speaking or acting as though they are beneath us. • The word choice highlights smug superiority—an attitude rooted in pride rather than love. \Immediate Consequences Identified in the Verse\ • Sin against God – The text states flatly that despising a neighbor “sins.” Prideful mockery is not a minor flaw; it violates God’s law of love (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:39). • Loss of blessing – The verse contrasts the mocker with the one who “shows kindness.” Scorn forfeits the promised blessing attached to compassion. \Wider Biblical Witness on Prideful Derision\ • Broken fellowship with God: “Though the LORD is exalted, He looks kindly on the lowly, but the proud He knows from afar” (Psalm 138:6). • Certain judgment: “Everyone proud of heart is detestable to the LORD; be assured, he will not go unpunished” (Proverbs 16:5). • Personal downfall: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). • Harm to community: “Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks judgment” (Proverbs 11:12). Pride isolates, erodes trust, and stirs strife (Proverbs 13:10). • Offense against the Creator: “He who mocks the poor taunts his Maker” (Proverbs 17:5). Derision of people made in God’s image is ultimately derision of God Himself. \Why Pride Turns So Costly\ 1. It blinds us to our own need for grace (Luke 18:11-14). 2. It invites God’s active resistance—“God opposes the proud” (James 4:6). 3. It corrodes relationships, replacing love with superiority (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). 4. It blocks the flow of blessing intended for those who walk in humility and mercy (Micah 6:8). \Practical Takeaways for Today\ • Guard your speech and attitudes; hidden contempt is still sin. • Replace derision with deliberate acts of kindness, especially toward the vulnerable. • Remember the cross: Christ humbled Himself for undeserving sinners (Philippians 2:5-8). Knowing that, there is no room left to look down on anyone. |
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