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].
All the brethren {H251} of the poor {H7326} do hate {H8130} him: how much more do his friends {H4828} go far {H7368} from him? he pursueth {H7291} them with words {H561}, yet they are wanting to him.
A poor man's relatives all hate him; even more his friends stay away from him. He may pursue them with entreaties, but they aren't there to be found.
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.
All the brethren of the poor do hate him: How much more do his friends go far from him! He pursueth them with words, but they are gone.
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Proverbs 19:4
¶ Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour. -
1 John 3:17
But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels [of compassion] from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? -
1 John 3:18
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. -
Proverbs 18:23
¶ The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly. -
James 2:15
If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, -
James 2:16
And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be [ye] warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what [doth it] profit? -
Psalms 38:11
My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off.
Proverbs 19:7 (KJV) paints a stark and often painful picture of the social reality faced by those in poverty: "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]." This verse reveals the profound isolation and abandonment that can accompany destitution, where even family and friends desert the needy, and their pleas for help go unanswered.
Context
The book of Proverbs frequently explores themes of wealth, poverty, justice, and social dynamics within ancient Israelite society. It often contrasts the wisdom that leads to prosperity and righteousness with the folly that can lead to ruin and destitution. This particular proverb doesn't necessarily imply malice in the "hatred" but rather a deep-seated disdain, neglect, or active shunning. In a society where social networks and family support were crucial for survival, the abandonment described here represents a devastating blow to the poor individual. The sentiment is echoed in other wisdom literature, highlighting a harsh but realistic observation about human nature and the fickle nature of relationships when tested by adversity.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
Related Scriptures
This verse finds parallel themes in other parts of Proverbs and the wider biblical narrative. For instance, the idea that wealth attracts friends is further explored in Proverbs 19:4: "Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour." In contrast to the unreliability of human support, the Bible often points to God's unwavering faithfulness to the needy, as seen in passages like Psalm 9:18, "For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever." This highlights a divine compassion that stands in stark contrast to human neglect.
Practical Application
Proverbs 19:7 serves as a poignant reminder and a challenge to readers today: