Proverbs 14:21
He that despiseth his neighbor is a sinner; but he that is gracious to the poor—happiness attend him!
Leeser Tanakh
In The King James Version
He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
In Context
20Even to his own neighbor is the poor man hateful; but the friends of the rich are many.
Cross References
Job 31:13If ever I cast aside the justice due to my man-servant and my maid-servant, when they contended with me:
Psalms 22:24(22:25) For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the poor; neither hath he hidden his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.
Psalms 41:2(41:3) The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; he shall be made happy on the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the revengeful desire of his enemies.
Psalms 112:9He distributeth, he giveth to the needy: his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted in honor.
Proverbs 11:24There is a man that scattereth gifts, and yet his wealth is increased: and there is one that withholdeth more than is proper, and still cometh only to want.
Proverbs 17:5Whoso mocketh the poor blasphemeth his Maker: he that is glad at calamities will not remain unpunished.
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 →