Wealth attracts many friends, but a poor man is deserted by his friend. WealthThe Hebrew word for "wealth" is "hôn," which encompasses not just money but also possessions and resources. In the ancient Near Eastern context, wealth was often seen as a sign of God's blessing and favor. However, the Bible also warns against the dangers of wealth, such as pride and a false sense of security. Here, wealth is depicted as having the power to draw people, highlighting the superficial nature of relationships based on material gain. Attracts
The verb "attracts" in Hebrew is "yôsîp," which means to add or increase. This suggests that wealth has a magnetic quality, drawing people in and increasing one's social circle. The implication is that these relationships are often not genuine, as they are based on what one has rather than who one is. This serves as a caution against placing too much value on friendships that are contingent upon material wealth. Many friends
The phrase "many friends" indicates a multitude of companions or associates. In the biblical context, friendship was a significant social bond, often involving loyalty and mutual support. However, the use of "many" here suggests a superficiality, as true friendship is rare and not easily multiplied. This aligns with the biblical theme that true friends are few and far between, and that many so-called friends may be fair-weather companions. But
The conjunction "but" serves as a pivot in the verse, contrasting the two halves of the proverb. It introduces a shift from the allure of wealth to the stark reality faced by the poor. This contrast is a common literary device in Proverbs, used to highlight moral and ethical lessons. It underscores the transient nature of wealth-based relationships compared to the enduring value of genuine friendship. A poor man
The term "poor man" is translated from the Hebrew word "rāš," which refers to someone lacking in material resources. In ancient Israel, poverty was often associated with vulnerability and marginalization. The Bible frequently calls for compassion and justice for the poor, recognizing their inherent dignity. This phrase serves as a reminder of the societal tendency to overlook or abandon those who lack wealth. Is deserted
The Hebrew word "yipparēd" means to be separated or isolated. This conveys the idea of abandonment, highlighting the fickle nature of relationships based on material wealth. The poor man is left alone, emphasizing the superficiality of friendships that dissolve when financial resources are absent. This serves as a moral lesson on the importance of loyalty and integrity in relationships. By his friend
The phrase "by his friend" uses the Hebrew word "rēa," which can mean companion or associate. The use of "his" suggests a personal relationship, making the desertion more poignant. In the biblical context, a friend was expected to be loyal and supportive, especially in times of need. This highlights the betrayal and disappointment experienced when a supposed friend abandons someone due to their financial status. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally 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 IsraelThe cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where social and economic dynamics were influenced by wealth and poverty. 3. Friends and CompanionsThe 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 FriendshipsWorldly 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 WealthWealth 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 PoorChristians 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 RelationshipsReflect 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 PovertyGod 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. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Proverbs 19:4 challenge our understanding of friendship and social relationships in today's society? 2. In what ways can we ensure that our relationships are not influenced by material wealth or social status? 3. How can the teachings of James 2:1-9 help us to treat others with fairness and love, regardless of their economic status? 4. Reflect on a time when you felt deserted or supported based on your financial situation. How did that experience shape your view of wealth and relationships? 5. How can we, as a church community, better support and include those who are economically disadvantaged, following the example of Christ? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 14:20This verse similarly notes the social isolation of the poor and the many friends of the rich, reinforcing the theme of wealth influencing relationships. James 2:1-9James warns against showing favoritism based on wealth, urging believers to treat all people equally, which contrasts with the worldly tendency described in Proverbs 19:4. Luke 16:19-31The parable of the rich man and Lazarus illustrates the eternal consequences of ignoring the needs of the poor, emphasizing the importance of compassion over wealth. People Isaiah, SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Addeth, Adds, Brings, Deserted, Deserts, Friend, Friends, Makes, Maketh, Man's, Neighbor, Neighbour, Parted, Poor, Separated, Separateth, WealthDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 19:4 5503 rich, the
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5901 loneliness Library How the Slothful and the Hasty are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 16.) Differently to be admonished are the slothful and the hasty. For the former are to be persuaded not to lose, by putting it off, the good they have to do; but the latter are to be admonished lest, while they forestall the time of good deeds by inconsiderate haste, they change their meritorious character. To the slothful therefore it is to be intimated, that often, when we will not do at the right time what we can, before long, when we will, we cannot. For the very indolence of …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the GreatHow the Impatient and the Patient are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 10.) Differently to be admonished are the impatient and the patient. For the impatient are to be told that, while they neglect to bridle their spirit, they are hurried through many steep places of iniquity which they seek not after, inasmuch as fury drives the mind whither desire draws it not, and, when perturbed, it does, not knowing, what it afterwards grieves for when it knows. The impatient are also to be told that, when carried headlong by the impulse of emotion, they act in some …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Second Journey through Galilee - the Healing of the Leper.
A DAY and an evening such as of that Sabbath of healing in Capernaum must, with reverence be it written, have been followed by what opens the next section. [2299] To the thoughtful observer there is such unbroken harmony in the Life of Jesus, such accord of the inward and outward, as to carry instinctive conviction of the truth of its record. It was, so to speak, an inward necessity that the God-Man, when brought into contact with disease and misery, whether from physical or supernatural causes, …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Kingdom of God Conceived as the Inheritance of the Poor.
These maxims, good for a country where life is nourished by the air and the light, and this delicate communism of a band of children of God reposing in confidence on the bosom of their Father, might suit a simple sect constantly persuaded that its Utopia was about to be realized. But it is clear that they could not satisfy the whole of society. Jesus understood very soon, in fact, that the official world of his time would by no means adopt his kingdom. He took his resolution with extreme boldness. …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus "Boast not Thyself of to Morrow, for Thou Knowest not what a Day May Bring Forth. "
Prov. xxvii. 1.--"Boast not thyself of to morrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." As man is naturally given to boasting and gloriation in something (for the heart cannot want some object to rest upon and take complacency in, it is framed with such a capacity of employing other things), so there is a strong inclination in man towards the time to come, he hath an immortal appetite, and an appetite of immortality; and therefore his desires usually stretch farther than the present …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Wrath of God
What does every sin deserve? God's wrath and curse, both in this life, and in that which is to come. Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire.' Matt 25: 41. Man having sinned, is like a favourite turned out of the king's favour, and deserves the wrath and curse of God. He deserves God's curse. Gal 3: 10. As when Christ cursed the fig-tree, it withered; so, when God curses any, he withers in his soul. Matt 21: 19. God's curse blasts wherever it comes. He deserves also God's wrath, which is …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments The Unity of God
Q-5: ARE THERE MORE GODS THAN ONE? A: There is but one only, the living and true God. That there is a God has been proved; and those that will not believe the verity of his essence, shall feel the severity of his wrath. Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord.' Deut 6:6. He is the only God.' Deut 4:49. Know therefore this day, and consider it in thy heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath, there is none else.' A just God and a Saviour; there is none beside …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Man's Misery by the Fall
Q-19: WHAT IS THE MISERY OF THAT ESTATE WHEREINTO MAN FELL? A: All mankind by their fall lost communion with God, are under his wrath and curse, and so made liable to all the miseries in this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell for ever. 'And were by nature children of wrath.' Eph 2:2. Adam left an unhappy portion to his posterity, Sin and Misery. Having considered the first of these, original sin, we shall now advert to the misery of that state. In the first, we have seen mankind offending; …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Covenanting According to the Purposes of God.
Since every revealed purpose of God, implying that obedience to his law will be given, is a demand of that obedience, the announcement of his Covenant, as in his sovereignty decreed, claims, not less effectively than an explicit law, the fulfilment of its duties. A representation of a system of things pre-determined in order that the obligations of the Covenant might be discharged; various exhibitions of the Covenant as ordained; and a description of the children of the Covenant as predestinated …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting The Ninth Commandment
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.' Exod 20: 16. THE tongue which at first was made to be an organ of God's praise, is now become an instrument of unrighteousness. This commandment binds the tongue to its good behaviour. God has set two natural fences to keep in the tongue, the teeth and lips; and this commandment is a third fence set about it, that it should not break forth into evil. It has a prohibitory and a mandatory part: the first is set down in plain words, the other …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments The Knowledge of God
'The Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.' I Sam 2:2. Glorious things are spoken of God; he transcends our thoughts, and the praises of angels. God's glory lies chiefly in his attributes, which are the several beams by which the divine nature shines forth. Among other of his orient excellencies, this is not the least, The Lord is a God of knowledge; or as the Hebrew word is, A God of knowledges.' Through the bright mirror of his own essence, he has a full idea and cognisance …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Christian Meekness
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth Matthew 5:5 We are now got to the third step leading in the way to blessedness, Christian meekness. Blessed are the meek'. See how the Spirit of God adorns the hidden man of the heart, with multiplicity of graces! The workmanship of the Holy Ghost is not only curious, but various. It makes the heart meek, pure, peaceable etc. The graces therefore are compared to needlework, which is different and various in its flowers and colours (Psalm 45:14). …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 The Third Commandment
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.' Exod 20: 7. This commandment has two parts: 1. A negative expressed, that we must not take God's name in vain; that is, cast any reflections and dishonour on his name. 2. An affirmative implied. That we should take care to reverence and honour his name. Of this latter I shall speak more fully, under the first petition in the Lord's Prayer, Hallowed be thy name.' I shall …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Proverbs 19:4 NIVProverbs 19:4 NLTProverbs 19:4 ESVProverbs 19:4 NASBProverbs 19:4 KJV
Proverbs 19:4 Commentaries
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