Proverbs 14:21
People who look down on their neighbors are sinners, but those who are kind to the poor are blessed.
Free Bible Version
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 are hated even by their neighbors, while the rich have many friends.
Cross References
Job 31:13If I had refused to listen to my menservants or maidservants when they brought their complaints to me,
Psalms 22:24For he has not ridiculed or scorned the suffering of the poor; he has not turned away from them, he has listened to their cries for help.
Psalms 41:2The Lord protects them and keeps them alive. They will live happily in the land, and they will not be handed over to their enemies.
Psalms 112:9They share generously, giving to the poor; the good they do has eternal results. They are greatly respected.
Proverbs 11:24If you give generously you receive more, but if you keep back what you should give, you end up poor.
Proverbs 17:5Anyone who oppresses the poor insults their Maker, and anyone who enjoys the suffering of others will be punished.
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 →