Proverbs 14:21-22 (ESV)
21 Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner,
but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.
22 Do they not go astray who devise evil?
Those who devise good meet steadfast love and faithfulness.
Solomon continues to focus on the less fortunate among us. “Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.” To despise someone is to view her as unimportant, inconvenient, or unworthy of our time, attention, and resources. The person who despises her neighbor may not openly mistreat others, but she hardens her heart toward those in need. She is unwilling to sacrifice her comfort, energy, or possessions for the good of another. Solomon leaves no room for excuses. Such a person is a sinner.
The wise person, by contrast, is generous to the poor. She notices those who are struggling and responds with kindness. She seeks to help, encourage, provide, and relieve suffering whenever it is within her power to do so. Jesus expanded our understanding of neighbor in Luke 10:29-37 through the parable of the Good Samaritan. Our neighbor is anyone whose need God places in our path. The wise woman understands that God has shown extraordinary kindness to her, and therefore she gladly extends that same kindness to others. Solomon says such a woman is blessed.
Verse 22 shifts from actions to intentions. “Do they not go astray who devise evil?” The Hebrew word translated “devise” is charash, a word that can describe carefully planning, crafting, or designing something. These individuals are not accidentally doing wrong. They are intentionally plotting selfish, harmful, or sinful courses of action. Solomon says they “go astray.” The Hebrew word is taah, meaning to wander from the proper path. Though they may think themselves clever, they are actually lost, drifting farther and farther from God’s ways.
In contrast, “those who devise good meet steadfast love and faithfulness.” Just as some carefully plan evil, the wise intentionally plan good. They look for opportunities to bless others, serve faithfully, and honor God. As they walk this path, they encounter God’s “steadfast love,” his hesed, his loyal covenant love. They also experience his faithfulness. This does not mean life becomes easy, but it does mean that God faithfully supplies what his people need and guides them along the path of wisdom.
Do you find yourself avoiding people who seem awkward, unattractive, needy, or unable to offer you anything in return? Wisdom calls us to a different way of living. Rather than looking for ways to advance ourselves, we should look for opportunities to do good to others. Treat every person you encounter with dignity and respect. Extend kindness whenever you can. As you do, you will walk in the path of wisdom and experience God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. May every person whose path crosses yours today catch a glimpse of the kindness of Christ through you.