Proverbs 14:21
New International Version
It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.

New Living Translation
It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor; blessed are those who help the poor.

English Standard Version
Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.

Berean Standard Bible
He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who shows kindness to the poor.

King James Bible
He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.

New King James Version
He who despises his neighbor sins; But he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he.

New American Standard Bible
One who despises his neighbor sins, But one who is gracious to the poor is blessed.

NASB 1995
He who despises his neighbor sins, But happy is he who is gracious to the poor.

NASB 1977
He who despises his neighbor sins, But happy is he who is gracious to the poor.

Legacy Standard Bible
He who despises his neighbor sins, But how blessed is he who is gracious to the poor.

Amplified Bible
He who despises his neighbor sins [against God and his fellow man], But happy [blessed and favored by God] is he who is gracious and merciful to the poor.

Christian Standard Bible
The one who despises his neighbor sins, but whoever shows kindness to the poor will be happy.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The one who despises his neighbor sins, but whoever shows kindness to the poor will be happy.

American Standard Version
He that despiseth his neighbor sinneth; But he that hath pity on the poor, happy is he.

Contemporary English Version
It's wrong to hate others, but God blesses everyone who is kind to the poor.

English Revised Version
He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath pity on the poor, happy is he.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Whoever despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is the one who is kind to humble people.

Good News Translation
If you want to be happy, be kind to the poor; it is a sin to despise anyone.

International Standard Version
Whoever despises his neighbor sins, but whoever shows kindness to the poor will be happy.

Majority Standard Bible
He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who shows kindness to the poor.

NET Bible
The one who despises his neighbor sins, but whoever is kind to the needy is blessed.

New Heart English Bible
He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who shows kindness to the poor.

Webster's Bible Translation
He that despiseth his neighbor sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.

World English Bible
He who despises his neighbor sins, but he who has pity on the poor is blessed.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Whoever is despising his neighbor sins, "" Whoever is favoring the humble, "" O his blessedness.

Young's Literal Translation
Whoso is despising his neighbour sinneth, Whoso is favouring the humble, O his happiness.

Smith's Literal Translation
He despising to his neighbor, sins: and he compassionating the poor, he is happy.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He that despiseth his neighbour, sinneth: but he that sheweth mercy to the poor, shall be blessed. He that believeth in the Lord, loveth mercy.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Whoever despises his neighbor, sins. But whoever pities the poor shall be blessed. Whoever trusts in the Lord loves mercy.

New American Bible
Whoever despises the hungry comes up short, but happy the one who is kind to the poor!

New Revised Standard Version
Those who despise their neighbors are sinners, but happy are those who are kind to the poor.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
He who despises his neighbor sins; but he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
He that despises his neighbor sins, and he that shows mercy upon the poor is blessed.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth; But he that is gracious unto the humble, happy is he.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
He that dishonours the needy sins: but he that has pity on the poor is most blessed.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Wise Woman
20The poor man is hated even by his neighbor, but many are those who love the rich. 21He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who shows kindness to the poor. 22Do not those who contrive evil go astray? But those who plan goodness find loving devotion and faithfulness.…

Cross References
Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

James 2:13
For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Luke 6:36
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Matthew 25:34-40
Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. / For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ ...

Galatians 6:10
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.

1 John 3:17-18
If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? / Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.

Romans 12:13
Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Hebrews 13:16
And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.

Luke 10:33-37
But a Samaritan on a journey came upon him, and when he saw him, he had compassion. / He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. / The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Take care of him,’ he said, ‘and on my return I will repay you for any additional expense.’ ...

Isaiah 58:7
Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Deuteronomy 15:7-11
If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, then you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. / Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs. / Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought in your heart: “The seventh year, the year of release, is near,” so that you look upon your poor brother begrudgingly and give him nothing. He will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. ...

Psalm 41:1
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Blessed is the one who cares for the poor; the LORD will deliver him in the day of trouble.

Proverbs 19:17
Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.

Proverbs 28:27
Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses.


Treasury of Scripture

He that despises his neighbor sins: but he that has mercy on the poor, happy is he.

that despiseth

Proverbs 11:12
He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

Proverbs 17:5
Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.

Proverbs 18:3
When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

he that hath

Proverbs 14:31
He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.

Proverbs 11:24,25
There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty…

Proverbs 19:17
He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

Jump to Previous
Afflicted Blessed Despises Despiseth Despising Favouring Gracious Happiness Happy Humble Kind Mercy Needy Neighbor Neighbour Pity Poor Respect Sinner Sinneth Sins
Jump to Next
Afflicted Blessed Despises Despiseth Despising Favouring Gracious Happiness Happy Humble Kind Mercy Needy Neighbor Neighbour Pity Poor Respect Sinner Sinneth Sins
Proverbs 14
1. A wise woman builds her house














He who despises his neighbor
The Hebrew word for "despises" is "בּוּז" (buz), which conveys a sense of contempt or disdain. In the ancient Near Eastern context, community and neighborly relationships were vital for survival and social stability. To despise one's neighbor was not only a personal failing but a disruption to the communal harmony that God intended. The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of loving one's neighbor, as seen in Leviticus 19:18, which Jesus later affirms as one of the greatest commandments (Matthew 22:39). This phrase challenges believers to examine their attitudes towards those around them, urging them to foster love and respect rather than contempt.

sins
The Hebrew term for "sins" here is "חָטָא" (chata), which means to miss the mark or to err. In the biblical sense, sin is not merely a legalistic breach of rules but a deviation from God's righteous path. Despising one's neighbor is seen as a moral failure that distances a person from God's will. This highlights the gravity of interpersonal relationships in the eyes of God, where sin is not just a personal issue but a communal one, affecting the fabric of society and one's relationship with the divine.

but blessed is he
The word "blessed" in Hebrew is "אַשְׁרֵי" (ashrei), which implies a state of happiness or contentment that comes from living in alignment with God's will. This blessing is not merely material but spiritual, reflecting a deep-seated joy and peace. The contrast between sin and blessing in this verse underscores the biblical principle that true happiness is found in obedience to God's commands, particularly in how we treat others.

who shows kindness
The Hebrew word for "kindness" is "חֶסֶד" (chesed), a rich term that encompasses love, mercy, and faithfulness. Chesed is a key attribute of God's character, often translated as "lovingkindness" or "steadfast love" in the Old Testament. To show kindness is to reflect God's own nature, embodying His love and compassion in our interactions with others. This phrase calls believers to be conduits of God's grace, extending mercy and love to those in need.

to the poor
The Hebrew word for "poor" is "עָנִי" (ani), referring to those who are economically disadvantaged or oppressed. In the biblical context, the poor were often marginalized and vulnerable, and God repeatedly commands His people to care for them (Deuteronomy 15:11, Isaiah 58:7). This phrase emphasizes the importance of social justice and compassion, reminding believers that true religion involves caring for the least among us. The verse concludes with a call to action, urging Christians to live out their faith through tangible acts of kindness and support for those in need.

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 mercy on the poor, happy is he; hail to him! (Proverbs 16:20). Contempt is contrasted with mercy, sin with blessing. "Blessed are the merciful," said Christ (Matthew 5:7): "for they shall obtain mercy;" and St. Paul preserves another precious word, "It is mere blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). The merciful disposition, which shows itself in works of mercy, is a proof that the soul is in union with God, whose mercy is over all his works, whose mercy endureth forever, and therefore such a soul is blessed. "The poor," wrote James Howell, "are God's receivers, and the angels are his auditors" ('Five Hundred New Sayings'). The Vulgate here appends a line absent from the Hebrew and the ether versions, "He who believeth in the Lord loveth mercy." The true believer is charitable and bountiful, knowing that he will not hereby impoverish himself, but lay up a rich store of blessing; he acts thus not from mere philanthropy, but from higher motives: he has the grace of charity which springs from and rests upon his faith in God.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
He who despises
בָּז־ (bāz-)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 936: To disrespect

his neighbor
לְרֵעֵ֥הוּ (lə·rê·‘ê·hū)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7453: Friend, companion, fellow

sins,
חוֹטֵ֑א (ḥō·w·ṭê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2398: To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn

but blessed is
אַשְׁרָֽיו׃ (’aš·rāw)
Interjection | third person masculine singular
Strong's 835: Happiness, interjection, how happy!

he who shows kindness
וּמְחוֹנֵ֖ן (ū·mə·ḥō·w·nên)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2603: To bend, stoop in kindness to an inferior, to favor, bestow, to implore

to the poor.
עֲנָוִ֣ים (‘ă·nā·wîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 6041: Poor, afflicted, humble


Links
Proverbs 14:21 NIV
Proverbs 14:21 NLT
Proverbs 14:21 ESV
Proverbs 14:21 NASB
Proverbs 14:21 KJV

Proverbs 14:21 BibleApps.com
Proverbs 14:21 Biblia Paralela
Proverbs 14:21 Chinese Bible
Proverbs 14:21 French Bible
Proverbs 14:21 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Proverbs 14:21 He who despises his neighbor sins (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 14:20
Top of Page
Top of Page