Proverbs 14:20 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The poor is disliked even by his neighbor, but the rich has many friends.

NIV: The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends.

NASB: The poor is hated even by his neighbor, But those who love the rich are many.

CSB: A poor person is hated even by his neighbor, but there are many who love the rich.

NLT: The poor are despised even by their neighbors, while the rich have many 'friends.'

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

NKJV: The poor man is hated even by his own neighbor, But the rich has many friends.

A "proverb" is a brief statement of common sense, general wisdom. Often, proverbs give insight into how the world "is," not necessarily how it "ought to be." This example points out how poverty and wealth can drive prejudice. It also notes how often people are friendly to the rich only for the sake of their riches. The following verse denounces hatred for one's neighbor (Proverbs 14:21), and other verses in Scripture condemn the practice of shunning the poor (Isaiah 10:1–2; Proverbs 29:14).

Those struggling with poverty often experience social injustice as their neighbors shun them. The rich, on the other hand, have an easier time finding help and support. Unfortunately, such prejudice is common today, as people snub the poor but play up to the rich to get something from them. Feigned friendship and true friendship are worlds apart.

The apostle James writes against showing prejudicial treatment and condemns the hypocrisy of favoring the rich (James 2:1–9). He cites the occasion in which a man wearing a gold ring and expensive clothing receives far better treatment than a poor man in shabby clothing. When the men enter the believers' assembly, the rich man is ushered to a good seat, whereas the poor man is told to stand. In condemning this prejudice, he states that God has chosen the poor to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom.

Proverbs 14:15–35 continues Solomon's wise sayings, once again mostly contrasting the wicked and the upright. He points out that those who do evil, by rejecting God's wisdom (Proverbs 1:7) are foolish and have no security. Those who do God's will (Proverbs 3:5) are wise and have unfailing security.

This continues a series of literal "proverbs:" short statements of general-case wisdom. The first ten verses of this chapter contrast positive and negative traits related to work ethic, self-control, and seeking wisdom. Then come several verses contrasting the fate of the righteous with that of the wicked. The rest of this passage provides statements on a broad range of subjects.

Proverbs 14 continues King Solomon's wise sayings. In this chapter he discusses a variety of topics such as wisdom and folly, honesty and dishonesty, righteousness and evil, national security and national disgrace, personal security and destruction, the fear of the Lord, generosity, and wise servanthood. This series of astute comments will continue for several more chapters.

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.