Proverbs 14:20

¶ The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich [hath] many friends.

The poor {H7326} is hated {H8130} even of his own neighbour {H7453}: but the rich {H6223} hath many {H7227} friends {H157}.

The poor are disliked even by their peers, but the rich have many friends.

The poor man is hated even by his neighbor, but many are those who love the rich.

The poor is hated even of his own neighbor; But the rich hath many friends.

Proverbs 14:20 offers a stark, often cynical, observation about human nature and societal attitudes toward wealth and poverty. It highlights a painful truth: those in need often face neglect and scorn, even from those close to them, while the wealthy attract a multitude of associates, often for opportunistic reasons.

Historical and Cultural Context

As part of the Bible's wisdom literature, Proverbs frequently comments on the realities of life in ancient Israel. In many ancient societies, including Israel's, social standing was often tied to economic status. While the Law of Moses commanded care for the poor and vulnerable, the practical realities of human behavior often fell short. Poverty could lead to marginalization, as illustrated here, while wealth often conferred influence and attracted those seeking favor or gain. This verse reflects a common observation about the superficiality of relationships driven by self-interest rather than genuine affection or moral obligation.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Harsh Reality of Poverty: The verse painfully illustrates how poverty can lead to isolation and even disdain. The phrase "hated even of his own neighbour" underscores the profound loneliness and rejection that can accompany destitution, indicating a breakdown of communal responsibility.
  • The Allure of Wealth: Conversely, wealth attracts "many friends." This is not necessarily an endorsement of these friendships but an observation that prosperity draws people who wish to benefit from another's resources or influence. These relationships are often superficial and conditional.
  • Human Nature and Self-Interest: The proverb serves as a commentary on the fallen nature of humanity, where self-interest can override compassion and loyalty. It exposes the tendency to gravitate towards those who can offer something material, rather than valuing individuals for their intrinsic worth.
  • A Call for Discernment: For the prosperous, this verse is a subtle warning to discern between genuine friends and those attracted merely by wealth. For all, it challenges us to examine our own attitudes towards the poor and rich.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "hated" (שָׂנוּא - sanu) can imply being disliked, rejected, or treated as an enemy. It's a strong term indicating social exclusion. The word for "neighbour" (רֵעַ - rea) refers to a close associate, friend, or companion, making the rejection by one's own rea particularly poignant. The "many friends" of the rich (רַבִּים - rabbim) literally means "many ones" or "a multitude," further emphasizing the sheer number of superficial connections compared to the isolation of the poor.

Related Scriptures

This proverb is echoed in other wisdom sayings, such as Proverbs 19:4, which states, "Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour," and Proverbs 19:7, which elaborates on the abandonment of the poor even by their brethren. While this verse highlights a harsh social reality, it does not endorse it. Instead, the broader message of Proverbs and the Bible champions justice and compassion for the vulnerable. For instance, Proverbs 28:27 encourages generosity: "He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack."

Practical Application: This verse challenges us to reflect on our own values. Are our relationships based on genuine love and respect, or on what we can gain? It serves as a powerful reminder to cultivate true compassion and to actively seek to uplift those who are marginalized, rather than succumbing to the world's tendency to shun the poor and flatter the rich. It calls believers to embody the love of God, who shows no partiality (James 2:1), and to extend true friendship and aid to all, especially those in need.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
  • Proverbs 19:4

    ¶ Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.
  • Proverbs 10:15

    ¶ The rich man's wealth [is] his strong city: the destruction of the poor [is] their poverty.
  • Proverbs 19:6

    ¶ Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man [is] a friend to him that giveth gifts.
  • Proverbs 19:7

    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].
  • Job 19:13

    He hath put my brethren far from me, and mine acquaintance are verily estranged from me.
  • Job 19:14

    My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me.
  • Job 6:21

    For now ye are nothing; ye see [my] casting down, and are afraid.

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