Proverbs 19:4 - The Man of Integrity

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Context

The Man of Integrity
…3A man’s own folly subverts his way, yet his heart rages against the LORD. 4Wealth attracts many friends, but a poor man is deserted by his friend. 5A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape.…

Cross References

Proverbs 14:20
The poor man is hated even by his neighbor, but many are those who love the rich.Proverbs 19:6-7
Many seek the favor of the prince, and everyone is a friend of the gift giver. / All the brothers of a poor man hate him—how much more do his friends avoid him! He may pursue them with pleading, but they are nowhere to be found.James 2:1-6
My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism. / Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. / If you lavish attention on the man in fine clothes and say, “Here is a seat of honor,” but say to the poor man, “You must stand” or “Sit at my feet,” ...Luke 16:9
I tell you, use worldly wealth to make friends for yourselves so that when it is gone, they will welcome you into eternal dwellings.Ecclesiastes 9:16
And I said, “Wisdom is better than strength, but the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are not heeded.”Psalm 49:16-17
Do not be afraid when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases. / For when he dies, he will carry nothing away; his abundance will not follow him down.1 Timothy 6:9-10
Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. / For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.Luke 12:15
And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”Proverbs 18:23
The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly.Matthew 19:23-24
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. / Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”1 John 3:17
If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?Proverbs 22:7
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.Luke 6:24
But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.Job 34:19
who is not partial to princes and does not favor rich over poor? For they are all the work of His hands.Proverbs 28:6
Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse.

Proverbs 19:6,7
Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts…

Proverbs 14:20
The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.

Luke 15:13-15
And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living…

the poor

Proverbs 10:15
The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.

Job 6:15-23
My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the stream of brooks they pass away; …

Job 19:13-17
He hath put my brethren far from me, and mine acquaintance are verily estranged from me…

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Proverbs 19

Wealth attracts many friends
In ancient Israel, wealth was often seen as a sign of God's blessing and favor. The accumulation of wealth could lead to increased social status and influence, drawing many people who sought to benefit from the wealthy individual's resources. This concept is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as Proverbs 14:20, which notes the social dynamics surrounding wealth and poverty. The cultural context of the time placed a high value on hospitality and generosity, which were easier to practice with abundant resources. Wealth could also be seen as a means of securing alliances and friendships, as seen in the relationships between kings and nations in the Old Testament.

but a poor man is deserted by his friend
Poverty in biblical times often led to social isolation and vulnerability. Without resources, a person could not reciprocate favors or provide for others, leading to abandonment by those who were once considered friends. This reflects the harsh realities of a society where survival often depended on mutual support and exchange. The plight of the poor is a recurring theme in Scripture, with God frequently commanding His people to care for the needy and marginalized (Deuteronomy 15:7-11). The contrast between the wealthy and the poor in this proverb highlights the transient nature of human relationships based on material gain. It also foreshadows the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized the value of spiritual wealth over material possessions and called His followers to love and serve the poor (Matthew 6:19-21, Luke 6:20-21).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His insights into human nature and relationships are reflected in this verse.

2. Ancient Israel
The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where social and economic dynamics were influenced by wealth and poverty.

3. Friends and Companions
The verse contrasts the social experiences of wealthy and poor individuals, highlighting the fickle nature of human relationships based on material wealth.

Teaching Points

The Nature of Worldly Friendships
Worldly friendships can be superficial and often depend on material wealth. True friendship should be based on mutual respect and love, not on what one can gain from the other.

The Illusion of Security in Wealth
Wealth may provide temporary social advantages, but it does not guarantee genuine relationships or eternal security. Believers are encouraged to seek treasures in heaven rather than relying on earthly riches.

Compassion for the Poor
Christians are called to show compassion and support for those in need, reflecting God's love and justice. This includes building relationships with people regardless of their economic status.

Evaluating Our Own Relationships
Reflect on the motivations behind our friendships. Are they based on love and mutual edification, or are they influenced by what we can gain materially or socially?

God's View of Wealth and Poverty
God values the heart and character of a person over their material wealth. Believers should strive to align their values with God's perspective, prioritizing spiritual richness over material wealth.

Lists and Questions

Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 19What wisdom and guidance does Proverbs offer for life?What does Proverbs say about lazy people?What is the Bible's view on poverty?In 2 Corinthians 8:13-14, does Paul's call for economic 'fairness' conflict with other biblical texts that accept wealth disparities or personal ownership?

(4) The poor is separated from his neighbour.--Or, but the feeble, his friend separates himself (from him). It was just in order to counteract these selfish instincts of mankind that the merciful provisions of such passages as Deuteronomy 15:7. sqq., and Luke 14:13, were laid upon God's people.

Verse 4. - Wealth maketh many friends (vers. 6, 7; Proverbs 14:20). A Greek gnome expresses the same truth -

Ἐὰν δ ἔχωμεν χρήμαθ ἕξομεν φίλους. The poor is separated from his neighbour. But it is better to make the act of separation emanate from the friend (as the Hebrew allows), and to render, with the Revised Version, The friend of the poor separateth himself from him. The word for "poor" is here dal, which means "feeble," "languid;" so ver. 17; and the came word (rea), "friend" or "neighbor," is used in both clauses. The idea of man's selfishness is carried on in vers. 6 and 7. The Law of Moses had tried to counteract it (Deuteronomy 15:7, etc.), but it was Christianity that introduced the practical realization of the law of love, and the honouring of the poor as members of Christ. Septuagint, "But the poor is deserted even by his whilom friend." Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Wealth
ה֗וֹן (hō·wn)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1952: Wealth, sufficiency

attracts
יֹ֭סִיף (yō·sîp̄)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3254: To add, augment

many
רַבִּ֑ים (rab·bîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7227: Much, many, great

friends,
רֵעִ֣ים (rê·‘îm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 7453: Friend, companion, fellow

but a poor man
וְ֝דָ֗ל (wə·ḏāl)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1800: Dangling, weak, thin

is deserted
יִפָּרֵֽד׃ (yip·pā·rêḏ)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6504: To break through, spread, separate

by his friend.
מֵרֵ֥עהוּ‪‬ (mê·rê·‘·hū)
Preposition | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7453: Friend, companion, fellow

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Proverbs 19:4 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Proverbs 19:4 Wealth adds many friends but the poor (Prov. Pro Pr)