Proverbs 14:19–21

PROVERBS CHAPTER 14.

V. 19. The evil bow before the good, humbling themselves as a result of the punishment which they incurred for their sins, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous, like beggars humbly praying for some gift of charity.

V. 20. The poor is hated even of his own neighbor, for the loss of wealth immediately changes the attitude of false friends, who now find their impoverished neighbor obnoxious; but the rich hath many friends, such as profess friendship for him as long as they partake of his bounty.

V. 21. He that despiseth his neighbor sinneth, that is, he who neglects a friend to whom he owes love, especially if he is in need; but he that hath mercy on the poor, showing true compassion to the poor and wretched, happy is he, since he himself may expect benefit from his act.