Proverbs 19:4

4 Wealth makes many friends, But the poor is separated from his friend.

Proverbs 19:4 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 19:4

Wealth maketh many friends
Or "adds" ^F6; it increases the number of them: so the poet ^F7, "donec eris felix, multos numerabis amicos"; and to this agrees what the wise man says, ( Proverbs 14:20 ) ; but the poor is separated from his neighbour;
or "friend" ^F8; he will not visit him as he did in his prosperity, nor suffer him to come into his house or company, or come near him; he is separated from his affection, friendship, and presence: so another poet ^F9,

``if thou art rich, thou wilt have many friends; but, if poor, few.''

---

FOOTNOTES:

F6 (Pyoy) . "addit", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator.
F7 Ovid.
F8 (wherm) "ab amico sua", Pagninus, Montanus, Baynus, Junius & Tremeliius, Piscator, Michaelis; "a sodali sua", Schultens.
F9 Theognis.

Proverbs 19:4 In-Context

2 Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, And he sins who hastens with his feet.

3 The foolishness of a man twists his way, And his heart frets against the Lord.

4 Wealth makes many friends, But the poor is separated from his friend.

5 A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies will not escape.

6 Many entreat the favor of the nobility, And every man is a friend to one who gives gifts.