Proverbs 19:6 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Many seek the favor of a generous man, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.

NIV: Many curry favor with a ruler, and everyone is the friend of one who gives gifts.

NASB: Many will seek the favor of a generous person, And every person is a friend to him who gives gifts.

CSB: Many seek a ruler’s favor, and everyone is a friend of one who gives gifts.

NLT: Many seek favors from a ruler; everyone is the friend of a person who gives gifts!

KJV: Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.

NKJV: Many entreat the favor of the nobility, And every man is a friend to one who gives gifts.

This expands on the first half of a recent proverb (Proverbs 19:4). It's common for people to seek approval from the rich and generous, while ignoring the poor (Proverbs 14:20; 18:16). The statement that "everyone" is a rich person's friend comes in the context of the earlier verse: noting that "friendship" grounded in wealth is unreliable. The friend who stays close even when someone is in need is a true friend. As with other proverbs, the purpose is not to endorse bribes or attempts to buy influence (Proverbs 17:8, 23). Rather, Scripture notes this truth and advises skepticism towards those who seem to be "friends," when all they really want are benefits.

Perhaps Solomon had personally discovered this truth. His wealth and fame were known far and wide. The Queen of Sheba traveled to Solomon's kingdom to see for herself what Solomon had accomplished. After viewing his domain, she was breathless and exclaimed, "The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom, but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, half the greatness of your wisdom was not told me; you surpass the report that I heard" (2 Chronicles 9:5–6). Although the Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon seems to have been well-intentioned, many other visitors likely hoped to gain something from him that they could use for their personal advantage.

Proverbs 19:1–7 includes references that contrast the value of integrity with that of earthly wealth. To be moral is more honorable, and more valuable, than to be rich. At the same time, the world has an unfortunate habit of fawning over the rich, while sneering at the poor. True friends are those who remain loyal even when money is gone. Those who are immoral should expect consequences. Yet fools often blame God when they suffer for their own choices.

Several themes are associated with these statements. Among them are the idea that personal integrity is worth much more than earthly wealth or success. Solomon discusses the unfortunate habit of favoring the rich and dismissing the poor, while commending those who care for the unfortunate. Many references are made to the consequences of foolish behavior, including the shame and punishment such things can bring.

This series of proverbs is part of Solomon's writing on wisdom (Proverbs 10:1), a long chain continuing into chapter 22. As do other segments, this speaks on the harsh realities of poverty, the need for integrity, the dangers of laziness, the value of loving discipline, and the consequences of acting foolishly.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.