In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “The poor is hated even of his own neighbor: but the rich has many friends”, and in chapter fourteen and verse twenty-one of Proverbs Solomon said, “he that despises his neighbor sins” where we read,
He that despises his neighbor sins: but he that has mercy on the poor, happy is he.
The verse begins, “He that despises his neighbor sins:” Solomon began with the words, “he that despises” or “the person whether male or female who contemns, disrespects and utterly detests” “his neighbor” which means “the person's companion, friend and intimate fellow-citizen” “sins” or “misses the mark, goes wrong, incurs guilt and loss”. Solomon shared how the person who detests his companion or friend misses the mark and incurs guilt for their error.
The verse goes on to say, “but he that has mercy on the poor, happy is he.” Solomon continued with the words, “but he that has mercy” or “however, notwithstanding, nevertheless and moreover the person whether male or female who shows favor, is gracious and pitiful” “on the poor” which means “toward the impoverished, humble, afflicted, needy and weak” “happy is he” or “blessed exists the person who has mercy on the poor”. Solomon said the person who is gracious and pitiful toward people who are impoverished will exist as joyful and blessed.
When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how it is wrong to utterly detest our companions and fellow-citizens, and when we have compassion and pity upon people who are humble and impoverished, we will be blessed. God is merciful and gracious toward everyone who surrenders their life to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind. When we yield our lives to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and help us to have compassion upon our “neighbors” and be merciful to people who are afflicted and impoverished.
Next time Solomon asks, “do they not err that devise evil?”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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