KJV ORIGINAL
He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Anyone who looks down on their neighbor is sinning, but the person who shows kindness to the poor will be happy.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
This verse is teaching that looking down on others is wrong, while showing compassion to those in need brings true happiness.
📚 Historical Context
This proverb was written during a time when Israel was developing as a nation with clear social structures and economic differences. The wisdom literature of Proverbs emphasized practical godliness in daily relationships and social responsibility. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, caring for the poor was seen as a divine mandate and a measure of one's character.
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