Proverbs 14:21
He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
Original Language Analysis
חוֹטֵ֑א
sinneth
H2398
חוֹטֵ֑א
sinneth
Strong's:
H2398
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
וּמְחוֹנֵ֖ן
but he that hath mercy
H2603
וּמְחוֹנֵ֖ן
but he that hath mercy
Strong's:
H2603
Word #:
4 of 6
properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)
Cross References
Proverbs 28:27He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.Proverbs 19:17He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.Proverbs 17:5Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.Proverbs 11:12He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.Proverbs 14:31He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.Hebrews 6:12That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.Acts 20:35I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.Psalms 22:24For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.Psalms 112:5A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.Psalms 112:9He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.
Historical Context
Reflects Torah's extensive provisions for poor (gleaning laws, Jubilee, charity commands). Covenant community was to show mercy mirroring God's mercy to them in Egypt's bondage.
Questions for Reflection
- Who do you despise that God commands you to show mercy toward?
- How has showing mercy to poor brought blessing you wouldn't otherwise experience?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
He that despises his neighbor sins, but he that has mercy on the poor, happy is he. Contempt toward neighbors violates love commandment; mercy toward poor brings blessedness. The verse establishes both negative prohibition (don't despise) and positive command (show mercy). Despising neighbors is 'sin' (chata - missing the mark, transgression); mercy brings happiness (ashrey - blessed). Reformed theology sees here both moral obligation and eudaemonic promise - righteousness produces flourishing.