Proverbs 14:21 Meaning and Explanation
“He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Despising your neighbor is sin; showing mercy to the poor brings happiness.
The Context of Proverbs 14:21
Proverbs contrasts contempt and mercy, showing their moral weight and personal consequences.
What Does Proverbs 14:21 Mean?
To despise your neighbor is to break covenant with the basic human dignity and worth that all people possess. It is sin—a violation of what is right and true. Your neighbor's poverty, weakness, or low status does not change their worth or your obligation to honor it. Contempt is a fundamental wrong.
By contrast, the one who shows mercy to the poor finds happiness. This is not happiness that comes from external reward but from internal alignment. To act with mercy is to align yourself with what is right, to live out your true values, to contribute to flourishing. Mercy to the vulnerable brings joy to the merciful.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 14:21
What does Proverbs 14:21 mean?
Despising your neighbor is sin; showing mercy to the poor brings happiness.
What is the context of Proverbs 14:21?
Proverbs contrasts contempt and mercy, showing their moral weight and personal consequences.