Proverbs 19:4
Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.
Original Language Analysis
יֹ֭סִיף
maketh
H3254
יֹ֭סִיף
maketh
Strong's:
H3254
Word #:
2 of 7
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
רַבִּ֑ים
many
H7227
רַבִּ֑ים
many
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
4 of 7
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
וְ֝דָ֗ל
but the poor
H1800
וְ֝דָ֗ל
but the poor
Strong's:
H1800
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin
Historical Context
Reflects ancient social structures where patronage systems connected wealthy benefactors with dependent clients. The poor lacked such networks, experiencing social isolation alongside material want.
Questions for Reflection
- How much of your social network depends on your wealth or usefulness to others?
- How do you treat the poor whose friendship offers you no material advantage?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Wealth makes many friends, but the poor is separated from his neighbor. Prosperity attracts associates; poverty repels them. This verse observes social reality without necessarily endorsing it - wealth produces fair-weather friends while poverty produces isolation. The observation warns both rich (your friends may be mercenary) and poor (expect social marginalization). It also indicts human nature - valuing people for utility rather than inherent worth.