Proverbs 19:4

4 Riches increase full many friends; forsooth also they be departed from a poor man, which he had (but the friends which a poor person had, shall soon depart).

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 Where is not knowing of the soul, there is not good; and he that is hasty, in feet hurteth. (A mind without knowledge is not good; and he who is hasty with his feet, sinneth.)

3 The folly of a man deceiveth his steps (A person's foolishness perverteth his own way); and he burneth in his soul against God.

4 Riches increase full many friends; forsooth also they be departed from a poor man, which he had (but the friends which a poor person had, shall soon depart).

5 A false witness shall not be unpunished; and he that speaketh leasings, shall not escape. (A lying witness shall not go unpunished; and he who speaketh lies, shall not escape.)

6 Many men honour the person of a mighty man; and they be friends of him that dealeth (out) gifts.