Proverbs 19:4

4 Wealth attracts many friends, but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them.

Proverbs 19:4 in Other Translations

4 Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.

4 Wealth brings many new friends, but a poor man is deserted by his friend.

4 Wealth makes many “friends”; poverty drives them all away.

4 Wealth attracts friends as honey draws flies, but poor people are avoided like a plague.

4 Wealth attracts many friends, but a poor man 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.''

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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 Desire without knowledge is not good— how much more will hasty feet miss the way!

3 A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the LORD.

4 Wealth attracts many friends, but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them.

5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free.

6 Many curry favor with a ruler, and everyone is the friend of one who gives gifts.

Cross References

• 1. ver 7; Proverbs 14:20