Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 14:21 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" He who despises his neighbor sins, but he who has pity on the poor is blessed. "
Proverbs 14:21
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
19 The evil bow down before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20 The poor person is shunned even by his own neighbor, but the rich person has many friends.
21 He who despises his neighbor sins, but he who has pity on the poor is blessed.
22 Don’t they go astray who plot evil? But love and faithfulness belong to those who plan good.
23 In all hard work there is profit, but the talk of the lips leads only to poverty.
Explore Guided Bible Studies
Structured sessions with notes, questions, and advisor insights
The Beatitudes (5-Day Micro)
A short study on Jesus' blessings and the kingdom way.
Session 1 Preview:
Blessed Are the Humble
6 min
Psalms of Comfort (5-Day Micro)
Short, calming sessions grounded in the Psalms.
Session 1 Preview:
The Shepherd's Care
5 min
Create a free account to save notes, track progress, and unlock all sessions
Create Free AccountBible Guided Commentary
This verse shows how a person’s character and condition are measured by the way he treats poor neighbors.
Those who look down on the poor are given a bad name here, and their condition matches that character. Whoever despises his neighbor because he is low in the world, from humble roots, poorly educated, or not impressive in the eyes of others, and thinks it is beneath him to notice him, speak with him, or care about him, is a sinner. He is guilty before God, on the path to greater evil, and will be treated as one who has sinned. Such a person is truly unhappy.
Those who feel compassion for the poor are described as being in a good condition, according to their character. Whoever has mercy on the poor, and is ready to do all the good he can for him, gives him honor. That man is happy, because he does what pleases God, and later he will look back on it with deep satisfaction. The poor will bless him for it, and it will be richly rewarded in the resurrection of the just.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 14:1
"Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands."
Proverbs 14:2
"He who walks in his uprightness fears the LORD, but he who is perverse in his ways despises him."
Proverbs 14:3
"The fool’s talk brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them."
Proverbs 14:4
"Where no oxen are, the crib is clean, but much increase is by the strength of the ox."
Proverbs 14:5
"A truthful witness will not lie, but a false witness pours out lies."
Proverbs 14:6
"A scoffer seeks wisdom, and doesn’t find it, but knowledge comes easily to a discerning person."
Daily Prayer
Get a daily Scripture reflection by email
Start each morning with a verse, a prayer, and a simple next step.
Important Disclaimer: This biblical guidance is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you're experiencing crisis symptoms, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or seek immediate professional help.
Bible Guided provides faith-based guidance and should complement, not replace, professional therapeutic support.