Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 14:20, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.
American Standard Version
The poor is hated even of his own neighbor; But the rich hath many friends.
World English Bible version
The poor person is shunned even by his own neighbor, but the rich person has many friends.
Proverbs 14:20 Meaning & Commentary
The poor is disliked even by his neighbor, but the rich has many friends. – Proverbs 14:20 (ESV)
Money is a powerful driving force on this earth. In fact, in Jesus’ teachings, he said that we could only serve one of two Gods – either the true living God or mammon: Matthew 6:24 – “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money”.
This implies that if someone is not serving God, they are essentially serving mammon, which describes money or material possessions. Elsewhere in the New Testament, we see that The Bible declares the love of money as “a root of all kinds of evil”: 1 Timothy 6:10 – For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
In the light of these scriptures, we can see why Proverbs 14:20 says that the rich have many friends. It is not necessarily the person they are drawn to but rather the riches or wealth that the person has! The first part of the verse says that the poor is disliked even by their neighbor. The truth is that a poor person has no riches or wealth and hence nothing to “offer” anybody with the wrong motives or intentions. We find a similar truth spoken of elsewhere in the same book: Proverbs 19:6 – Many seek the favor of a generous man, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts. Everybody loves to receive gifts, and people gladly accept them – especially when they are given with a good heart and the right motive. The only people who may turn down a gift are those who feel manipulated or controlled by the gift. However, gifts are to be received with joy. Even God the Father gave us salvation as life’s greatest gift!
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 14:20 to our lives?
Firstly, if we are poor or lack material possessions, we can take heart in Proverbs 14:20. We can take heart in the fact that people are not likely to build relationships with us based on what we can give them. This does not mean everyone’s motives will always be completely pure; however, if we do not have wealth and possessions, there can be no motive to get those things out or from us. If we are wealthy, have money, or have an abundance of possessions, we need to act shrewdly and with wisdom. People who know we are rich or have money will naturally be “attracted” to us.
However, the danger is not that they are attracted or drawn to us because of who we are but rather because of what they can get from us. This creates a dangerous situation because the relationship is not founded on love, respect, and the right motives.
How can we guard against this if we have wealth? One practical “tip” is not to flaunt our wealth. Just because we may have wealth does not mean that the whole world needs to know it: Proverbs 13:7 – One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth. There is great wisdom in keeping our cards close to our chest! Many people with wealth are very unassuming – they live a modest life and do not make their wealth known to others. If, however, we cannot, for whatever reason, keep our wealth “low-key,”
The Bible challenges us to do good with our material possessions: 1 Timothy 6:18 – As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that wealth is fleeting – it can come and go just as quickly. Therefore, I choose to put my full hope and trust in You today.
Help me to do good with everything that You have entrusted to my stewardship. I ask for wisdom and discernment so that I can honor You in word and deed. I pray this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
