Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 14:21, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
American Standard Version
He that despiseth his neighbor sinneth; But he that hath pity on the poor, happy is he.
World English Bible version
He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who has pity on the poor.
Proverbs 14:21 Meaning & Commentary
Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor. – Proverbs 14:21 (ESV)
Our relationship with God is reflected in our walk towards and with others. When we genuinely love God and are Christlike, it will reflect in our daily lives. God’s Word says that if we claim to love God but hate our fellow Christian, we are a liar: 1 John 4:20 – If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.
Furthermore, The Bible likens hatred to a murderer: 1 John 3:15 – If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. Hatred is the opposite nature and characteristic of who God is. The Bible teaches us that God does not only have or express love – but that he is love: 1 John 4:8 – Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. It’s clear why The Bible says that he who despises (or hates) his neighbor is a sinner – because everything about the nature of hatred is the opposite of God, and we know that he is good, holy, and just!
The second part of Proverbs 14:21 says that a generous person is blessed. God is love, and love gives. If we truly love someone, we will give them our time, energy, and anything else to show them our love and appreciation. Such a person will be blessed – this principle is seen throughout scripture. Giving is a principle that God has set forth and opens God’s blessing over our lives. So, generosity is both a principle we should live by and practice – and an overflow of God’s love abiding inside us!
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 14:21 to our lives?
If we are a believer in Jesus Christ and have received The Holy Spirit, God’s love has been deposited, or “shed abroad” in our hearts: Romans 5:5 – and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Therefore, as believers in Jesus Christ, we are without excuse to love other people. Loving others as The Bible commands us is a choice – not a feeling. We choose to extend love and forgive others, even if we do not “feel like it.”
If we claim to love God and have a relationship with Him and yet hate others, as The Bible says – we are liars. Armed with this knowledge, we can also have insight into those around us. People can say or “claim” many different things, but actions speak louder than words – as the saying goes. So, the lesson to be taken is always to love others – this speaks of an outward expression of what God has deposited inside us.
The second part of Proverbs 14:21 encourages a generous lifestyle. Generosity often involves finances, which is a very personal and touchy matter for many people. Most people are afraid to give financially because they are afraid they will lack themselves. However, scripture teaches us the opposite – when we live generous lives, we are blessed! Therefore, we must make up our minds and decide if we will serve God or serve ourselves.
The Bible even challenges us as Christians and calls our love into question if we do not give: 1 John 3:17 – But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? We must practice generosity as a lifestyle – when we do, we will be blessed, enriched, and experience great joy. Generosity starts where we are – not when we have more money. It is a matter of the heart, not our bank accounts!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Thank You for shedding your love abroad in my heart. I ask for forgiveness where I have not extended love to others and misrepresented Your heart.
I pray that You would increase Your love in my heart so I can extend it to others. Help me grow in my generosity and honor you with my life and possessions. I ask this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
