Proverbs 14:21

Despising one's neighbor is sin, but showing mercy to the poor brings blessing. God blesses compassion, not contempt.

Cross-references · 24

• Prov 11:12Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks judgment, but a man of understanding remains silent.
• Prov 28:27Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses.
• Prov 19:17Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.
• Prov 17:5He who mocks the poor insults their Maker; whoever gloats over calamity will not go unpunished.
• 1 Jn 3:17–22If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?
• Prov 18:3With a wicked man comes contempt as well, and shame is accompanied by disgrace.
• Prov 14:31Whoever oppresses the poor taunts their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him.
• Job 31:13–15If I have rejected the cause of my manservant or maidservant when they made a complaint against me,
• Prov 11:24–25One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor.
• Eccl 11:1–2Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again.
• Jas 2:14–16What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?
• Acts 20:35In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
• Ps 41:1–2For 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.
• Isa 58:7–12Isn’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?
• Job 35:5–6Look to the heavens and see; gaze at the clouds high above you.
• Ps 112:9He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor.
• Heb 6:12Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
• Matt 25:34–46Then 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.
• Dan 4:27Therefore, may my advice be pleasing to you, O king. Break away from your sins by doing what is right, and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed. Perhaps there will be an extension of your prosperity.”
• Ps 112:5It is well with the man who is generous and lends freely, whose affairs are guided by justice.
• Jas 2:5–6Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?
• Ps 22:24For He has not despised or detested the torment of the afflicted. He has not hidden His face from him, but has attended to his cry for help.
• Luke 18:9To some who trusted in their own righteousness and viewed others with contempt, He also told this parable:
• Luke 6:30–36Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what is yours, do not demand it back.

Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Hebrew word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.