Proverbs 14:20
The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.
Original Language Analysis
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
לְ֭רֵעֵהוּ
even of his own neighbour
H7453
לְ֭רֵעֵהוּ
even of his own neighbour
Strong's:
H7453
Word #:
2 of 7
an associate (more or less close)
Historical Context
Ancient societies lacked social safety nets. The poor depended on family and neighbors for survival. Yet often even neighbors avoided the poor, seeing them as burdens. The rich, offering opportunities for profit or advancement, attracted multitudes. Mosaic Law countered this tendency, commanding kindness to the poor (Leviticus 19:9-10, Deuteronomy 15:7-11) and prohibiting partiality toward the rich (Leviticus 19:15, James 2:1-9).
Questions for Reflection
- How does this proverb expose the sinful human tendency to value people by wealth or status rather than God's image in them?
- In what ways might you be gravitating toward 'rich' people (in wealth, influence, or status) while avoiding the 'poor'?
- How does Jesus' friendship with sinners and the poor (Luke 7:34) challenge this pattern and model true love?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends. This proverb observes harsh socioeconomic reality. Gam-lere'ehu yissane rash (גַּם־לְרֵעֵהוּ יִשָּׂנֵא רָשׁ, even by his neighbor the poor is hated). Even close neighbors distance from the poor. Ve'ohavey ashir rabbim (וְאֹהֲבֵי עָשִׁיר רַבִּים, but lovers of the rich are many). Wealth attracts numerous 'friends'—though their motives may be selfish. This isn't moral endorsement but sociological observation of fallen human nature that values people by wealth rather than character.