Which New Testament teachings align with Proverbs 14:21's message on kindness? Proverbs 14:21 — A Snapshot “He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the poor.” Kindness in the Teaching of Jesus • Matthew 5:7 — “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” • Matthew 5:42 — “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” • Matthew 7:12 — “In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you.” • Luke 6:35 — “Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return.” • Luke 10:30-37 — The Good Samaritan: Jesus spotlights practical kindness toward a neighbor in need. • Acts 20:35 — “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” a saying of Jesus preserved by Paul. Kindness in the Early Church • Acts 2:44-45 — “All the believers were together and had everything in common… they gave to anyone as he had need.” • Acts 4:34-35 — “There were no needy ones among them… proceeds were distributed to each as anyone had need.” Kindness in Pauline Instruction • Romans 12:10-13 — “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love… share with the saints who are in need.” • Galatians 5:22 — “The fruit of the Spirit is… kindness.” • Galatians 6:10 — “As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those of the household of faith.” • Ephesians 4:32 — “Be kind and tender-hearted to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” • Colossians 3:12 — “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” • 1 Timothy 6:18 — “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” • Titus 3:4-8 — God’s own kindness in salvation motivates believers “to be careful to devote themselves to good works.” Kindness in the General Epistles • James 2:15-16 — “If one of you says… ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing… what good is it?” • 1 John 3:17-18 — “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no compassion… let us love in deed and in truth.” • Hebrews 13:16 — “Do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” • 1 Peter 3:8 — “Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tender-hearted and humble.” What These Parallels Mean for Us • The same God who voiced Proverbs 14:21 calls His people, in every era, to active kindness toward neighbors and the poor. • Jesus amplifies the proverb by linking kindness with mercy, self-sacrifice, and even love for enemies. • The apostles turn the principle into community practice—sharing resources, meeting needs, and urging believers to “clothe” themselves in kindness. • Genuine faith expresses itself in tangible deeds; withholding kindness is portrayed as sin, just as Proverbs warned. • By embracing these New Testament teachings, we walk in the blessing promised: “Blessed is he who is kind to the poor.” |
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