Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 14:21
What does Proverbs 14:21 mean?
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Proverbs 14:21
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It’s easy to think "despising your neighbor" means overt insults, but this verse highlights that withholding pity and relief from the poor is a form of contempt that counts as sin. The blessing isn't just for giving, but for actively showing mercy, suggesting a deep connection between compassion and true happiness found in God.
Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse appears within a chapter that contrasts the ways of the righteous and the wicked. It follows a passage highlighting the wisdom of building a stable household through righteous actions, and directly precedes a verse about the fool's pride leading to destruction. This immediate context emphasizes that true blessedness comes not from pride or contempt, but from showing mercy and compassion, especially to those less fortunate.
Wisdom literature often presents life in stark contrasts. This verse is no exception, laying out two paths – one leading to sin, the other to blessing.
Proverbs 14:21 sets up a clear cause-and-effect: despising your neighbor is a sin, while showing mercy to the poor brings blessing. It's not just about avoiding bad deeds; it's about actively choosing good.
The Sin of Contempt
When the verse says 'he that despiseth his neighbor sinneth,' it's talking about a deep disrespect that can lead to neglecting and refusing to help those in need. This contempt isn't just a passing thought; it manifests as a disregard for the well-being of others, especially the vulnerable. It's a sin because it directly opposes God's heart for humanity.
The Blessing of Mercy
On the other hand, 'he who is generous to the poor, happy is he!' This isn't just about feeling good; it's about experiencing God's favor. True mercy isn't just pity; it's active compassion demonstrated through giving. This generosity is a reflection of God's own character and invites His blessing into your life.
We often think of 'neighbor' as just the person next door. But the Bible's definition is much broader, especially when poverty is involved.
The term 'neighbor' in this proverb isn't limited to those we know personally or those who are like us. The context, especially the contrast with 'the poor,' broadens its scope.
Beyond Proximity
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The verse implies that anyone in need, particularly someone experiencing poverty, is your neighbor. To despise them for their circumstances is to sin against God, who cares deeply for the marginalized. True compassion recognizes the shared humanity and dignity in everyone, regardless of their economic status.
Compassion in Action
Despising the poor is often rooted in a lack of empathy and a failure to see them as God sees them. Showing mercy, however, means actively engaging with their needs, offering practical help, and treating them with respect. It's a tangible expression of faith and a pathway to blessing.
Understand the original words
buz · Hebrew Verb
To show contempt for, reject, or treat as insignificant. Biblically, this often involves a moral failing toward others that reflects a deeper disregard for God's creation.
rea' · Hebrew Noun
One who dwells near; a fellow human being. In biblical law, it extends to one's fellow Israelite and, in the teaching of Jesus, to any person in need of mercy.
chata' · Hebrew Noun
One who misses the mark of God's standard; a person who acts in opposition to the law or will of God. It implies a state of being in rebellion or moral failure.
ashar · Hebrew Adjective
Empowered, happy, or enjoying divine favor. It describes the state of one whose life is in right relationship with God and His principles.
chanan · Hebrew Adjective/Participle
A spirit of graciousness, kindness, or benevolence. It involves the act of giving to those who have less without expecting immediate return.
'ani · Hebrew Noun
Those who are socially or economically disadvantaged. In Scripture, they are a special object of God's care, and how they are treated is a barometer for a person's faith.
This passage directly illustrates the proverb by contrasting the contempt of the religious elite with the compassion of the Samaritan, showing who truly acted as a neighbor.
Matthew 5:7Jesus echoes the blessing promised to the merciful in Proverbs, linking compassion for others, especially the poor, with receiving God's mercy.
Acts 20:35Paul’s teaching, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive,' directly supports the second half of the proverb, highlighting the inherent joy and blessing in generosity.
Psalm 41:1This Psalm speaks of the blessedness of considering the weak and the poor, a sentiment that directly parallels and reinforces the proverb's message of finding happiness in mercy.
pulpitProverbs 14:21: "He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he."
Verse 21. - He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth. Taken in connection with the preceding verse, this teaches that it is a sin to despise and shun a man because he is poor or of low estate; such a one has a claim for love and pity, and it is a crime to withhold them from him for selfish considerations. The Christian view is taught by the parable of the good Samaritan. But he that hath m…
wesleyProverbs 14:21: "He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he."
14:21 Despiseth - That does not pity and relieve the poor.
It’s easy to think "despising your neighbor" means overt insults, but this verse highlights that withholding pity and relief from the poor is a form of contempt that counts as sin. The blessing isn't just for giving, but for actively showing mercy, suggesting a deep connection between compassion and true happiness found in God.
This verse appears within a chapter that contrasts the ways of the righteous and the wicked. It follows a passage highlighting the wisdom of building a stable household through righteous actions, and directly precedes a verse about the fool's pride leading to destruction. This immediate context emphasizes that true blessedness comes not from pride or contempt, but from showing mercy and compassion, especially to those less fortunate.
This verse appears within a chapter that contrasts the ways of the righteous and the wicked. It follows a passage highlighting the wisdom of building a stable household through righteous actions, and directly precedes a verse about the fool's pride leading to destruction. This immediate context emphasizes that true blessedness comes not from pride or contempt, but from showing mercy and compassion, especially to those less fortunate.
"Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor." — It’s easy to think "despising your neighbor" means overt insults, but this verse highlights that withholding pity and relief from the poor is a form of contempt that counts as sin. The blessing isn't…
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Last reviewed October 2026