Proverbs 14:21
The one who despises his neighbor commits sin…
I believe that the obvious contrast made in this proverb is one between those who are pretentious…and those who show respect…those who despise…and those who show kindness.
Many times it is not a one time event that breaks the dignity of the human soul...but rather a lifetime of abuse, disrespect, and outright cruelty that these prideful, selfish, inconsiderate folks daily and methodically cast upon their neighbors. Some people get some twisted type of satisfaction in putting down others. I guess it gives their heart an illusion that by stepping on others lower than themselves…it somehow raises them up a little higher on the ladder of life.
However, the contrary is true. I have never met a pretentious person who is a truly happy individual. They are many times bitter, angry, and very ruthless folks. They are harsh judges of others. They kindle a fire that ends up burning down their own houses. Why? Because pride is not prejudice concerning the targets that it chooses. I have seen the cruelty of parents towards their own children, and the cruelty of spouses towards their counterparts. The end of such people is a very merciless, paranoid, and lonely one. He who shows himself unfriendly and selfish…more times than not…will die friendless and alone.
Proverbs 14:21
…But whoever shows kindness to the poor will be happy.
The happiest and most respected people on the earth are those who are kind in heart! They are people, who sow happiness and dignity into the lives of those around them on a daily basis, and are constantly reaping a bountiful harvest of the same. They are always mindful and considerate of the feelings of others, and take great pleasure in giving a word of encouragement to anyone who is down trodden or afflicted. These people are those who give not as a favor, but out of a sense of obligation and duty to God and society.
It certainly is a sin to have a spirit of entitlement, to think that someone owes us anything. However, it is a cruel sin to think that by showing others mercy we are doing them some type of special favor. When we are poor, we should be grateful for the mercy we receive…and whether we are rich, we should be grateful for the opportunity to give. Whether rich or poor, above or beneath, we are all running the same race together.
Therefore, let us be kind, grateful, respectful, and treat one another with the dignity that human life deserves, for it is life that Almighty God has given…and for which he sent his Son to die…and it is that life which must be honored at all cost!