Proverbs 19:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Proverbs 19:7
7 All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.
Chapter Context
Proverbs 19 is a wisdom sayings chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, prayer, fellowship. Written during primarily Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature was common in royal courts for training officials.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-29: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Proverbs and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Proverbs 19:7
7 All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.
Analysis
All the brethren of the poor do hate him; how much more do his friends go far from him? He pursues them with words, yet they are wanting to him. Poverty alienates even family; friends distance themselves despite the poor person's appeals. The threefold intensification (brothers hate, friends depart, words fail to recall them) emphasizes the isolation poverty produces. This verse indicts human nature while warning about poverty's social consequences. It should move us to compassion for the marginalized rather than join their abandonment.
Historical Context
Reflects ancient kinship-based society where even family ties strained under economic pressure. The poor experienced comprehensive social rejection, compounding their material suffering with relational isolation.
Reflection
- How do you respond to family members or friends experiencing poverty and its social stigma?
- What fear of poverty's social consequences motivates your economic decisions?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Proverbs 14:20, 18:23, 19:4, 21:13, Psalms 38:11, 88:8