What does Proverbs 21:21 mean?

Solomon (Proverbs 10:1) wisely points out that a life marked by virtues such as kindness and morality tends to result in longer life, spiritual growth, and a good reputation. This pursuit involves a proper relationship to God, tied to "righteousness." It also demands a proper relationship to others, characterized by "kindness." These are sometimes referred to as "vertical" and "horizontal" relationships, respectively. Of course, this is not an absolute rule, since good people can suffer unfair treatment in this life. But those who sincerely seek Christ, and His goodness, can expect eternal rewards (Matthew 6:33).

Jesus echoed the lesson of this verse by saying, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied" (Matthew 5:6). When a person believes on Jesus as Savior, he receives eternal life and righteousness (John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:21), and when he shows kindness to others, they honor him. In the early church a woman named Dorcas was righteous and kind. According to Acts 9:36, "she was full of good works and acts of charity." When she died, her peers honored her. They summoned Peter, and with tears, all the widows showed him the tunics and other garments that Dorcas had made (Acts 9:39).