Proverbs 14:20
The poor is disliked even by his neighbor, but the rich has many friends.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse highlights a stark reality: even the "neighbor," who should be closest and most loving, often shuns the poor. It's not just about distant acquaintances; the text points to a deep-seated human tendency to gravitate toward those with resources, suggesting that these "friends" of the rich are often drawn by self-interest, not genuine affection.
This verse reflects a harsh reality about how people often treat the less fortunate, even those closest to them. It sets up a stark contrast with the next verse, which offers a divine correction and highlights the true wisdom that values compassion over wealth.
Ever felt like your struggles push people away? This verse cuts deep, revealing a harsh reality about how society often treats those with less.
Solomon doesn't pull punches here. He states a stark observation: the poor are often despised, even by those closest to them – their neighbors. This isn't just about a lack of material support; it's about a social alienation that can feel like outright hatred. It's a painful truth that human connection can be strained, or even broken, by poverty.
Why do people flock to the rich? This verse points to a powerful, yet often superficial, force that shapes our social circles.
In contrast to the plight of the poor, the verse states, 'the rich has many friends.' This isn't necessarily about genuine affection. The commentaries suggest these 'friends' are often drawn by the prospect of gain or benefit. Wealth attracts attention and often garners respect, not for the person's character, but for their possessions. This creates a crowd of admirers, but few true confidantes.
Is this verse a judgment on humanity, or something else? Understanding Solomon's intent changes everything.
It's crucial to recognize that Solomon is presenting a description of the world, not an endorsement. He's observing a painful, self-interested reality that exists. The subsequent verses in Proverbs often serve to correct these harsh observations, guiding us toward God's higher standard of love and compassion. This verse is a wake-up call to see the world as it is, so we can strive to be the change God calls us to be.
Understand the original words
rash · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
The person who is in a state of financial, social, or spiritual lack. The Bible frequently emphasizes God’s concern for the poor and the responsibility of the community to treat them with justice and mercy.
ashir · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Refers to one who possesses material wealth. While wealth can be a blessing in the Bible, it is also a testing ground for character, often carrying the temptation of self-reliance rather than reliance on God.
This passage directly echoes Proverbs 14:20, stating that 'all a poor man’s brothers hate him; how much more will his friends go far from him! He pursues them with pleading, but they are gone.'
Ecclesiastes 6:8This verse speaks to the vanity of worldly possessions and hints at the same social dynamic, suggesting that more possessions do not necessarily lead to more true contentment or companionship, but can attract superficial attention.
Luke 16:13-15Jesus contrasts service to God and service to money, noting that 'The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all these things and began to mock him,' highlighting how wealth can distort priorities and relationships.
Job 19:13-14Job laments a similar abandonment by those closest to him in his time of suffering: 'He has put my brothers far from me, and those who know me are completely estranged from me. My relatives have gone away; my closest friends have forgotten me.'
Matthew 25:35-40This passage offers a powerful counter-narrative by showing Jesus valuing acts of kindness to the least, revealing that God sees and honors those who show compassion, especially to the poor and marginalized.
pulpitProverbs 14:20: "The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends."
Verse 20. - The poor is hated even of his own neighbour (Proverbs 19:4, 7). This sad experience of selfishness (comp. Ecclus. 6:8, etc.; 12:8) is corrected by the following verse, which must be taken in connection with this; at the same time, it is a truth which has been expressed in various ways by many moralists and satirists. Says the Greek Theognis - Πᾶς τις πλούσιον ἄνδρα τίει ἀτίει δὲ πενιχρόν.…
pooleProverbs 14:20: "The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends."
Is hated, i.e. despised and abandoned, as hateful persons and things are. His own neighbour; strictly so called, who is nearest to him, either by habitation or by relation, and therefore most obliged to love and help him.
This verse highlights a stark reality: even the "neighbor," who should be closest and most loving, often shuns the poor. It's not just about distant acquaintances; the text points to a deep-seated human tendency to gravitate toward those with resources, suggesting that these "friends" of the rich are often drawn by self-interest, not genuine affection.
This verse reflects a harsh reality about how people often treat the less fortunate, even those closest to them. It sets up a stark contrast with the next verse, which offers a divine correction and highlights the true wisdom that values compassion over wealth.
This verse reflects a harsh reality about how people often treat the less fortunate, even those closest to them. It sets up a stark contrast with the next verse, which offers a divine correction and highlights the true wisdom that values compassion over wealth.
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"The poor is disliked even by his neighbor, but the rich has many friends." — This verse highlights a stark reality: even the "neighbor," who should be closest and most loving, often shuns the poor. It's not just about distant acquaintances; the text points to a deep-seated hu…
