Proverbs 14:21
He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: But he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
In context
18 The simple inherit folly: But the prudent are crowned with knowledge. 19 The evil bow before the good; And the wicked at the gates of the righteous. 20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: But the rich hath many friends.
21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: But he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he. 22 Do they not err that devise evil? But mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good. 23 In all labour there is profit: But the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury. 24 The crown of the wise is their riches: But the foolishness of fools is folly.
Compare in other versions
- NIV New International Version
— Proverbs 14:21 in the NIV
It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.
- ESV English Standard Version
— Proverbs 14:21 in the ESV
Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.