What is the meaning of Proverbs 14:21? 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). summary Proverbs 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. |
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