Proverbs 14:21
He who has no respect for his neighbour is a sinner, but he who has pity for the poor is happy.
Bible in Basic English
In The King James Version
He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
In Context
20The poor man is hated even by his neighbour, but the man of wealth has numbers of friends.
Cross References
Job 31:13If I did wrong in the cause of my man-servant, or my woman-servant, when they went to law with me;
Psalms 22:24\22:23\You who have fear of the Lord, give him praise; all you seed of Jacob, give him glory; go in fear of him, all you seed of Israel.
Psalms 41:2\41:1\Happy is the man who gives thought to the poor; the Lord will be his saviour in the time of trouble.
Psalms 112:9He has given with open hands to the poor; his righteousness is for ever; his horn will be lifted up with honour.
Proverbs 11:24A man may give freely, and still his wealth will be increased; and another may keep back more than is right, but only comes to be in need.
Proverbs 17:5Whoever makes sport of the poor puts shame on his Maker; and he who is glad because of trouble will not go free from punishment.
Matthew Henry on Proverbs 14:21
20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends. This shows, not what should be, but what is the common way of the world—to be shy of the poor and fond of the rich. 1. Few will give countenance to those whom the world frowns upon, though otherwise worthy of respect: The poor, who should be pitied, and encouraged, and relieved, is hated, looked strange upon, and kept at a distance, even by his own neighbour, who, before he fell into disgrace, was intimate with him and pretended to… Read the whole commentary →