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If you are like me then you might have read this chapter and become uncomfortable with a few of the verses. For instance, this one…
“Wealth attracts many friends, but a poor man is separated from his friend.”
Proverbs 19:4 HCSB
And this one…
“All the brothers of a poor man hate him; how much more do his friends keep their distance from him! He may pursue them with words, but they are not there.”
Proverbs 19:7 HCSB
Are these verses saying that being rich is better than being poor? I don’t think so. Several passages in the NT talk about giving to the poor, helping those in need, and that loving money is a sin. So what do these verses mean?
Proverbs is a book about wisdom. It’s the facts of life. This statement is a true one, but not necessarily how it ought to be. I am reminded of the story of the prodigal son who leaves with his share of his father’s inheritance. It’s no doubt he was richer, and I’m sure he met many new “friends” on the way. It’s certainly true that many in this life are attracted to powerful people with money and status versus the poor, needy, and hungry. This is the sad reality of our world.
If anything, these verses should stir our compassion as Christians to change the status quo.