Proverbs 19:6 kjv

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

Proverbs 19:6 nkjv

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

Proverbs 19:6 niv

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

Proverbs 19:6 esv

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

Proverbs 19:6 nlt

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

Proverbs 19 verses

Proverbs 19 6 Meaning

Proverbs 19:6 observes a societal truth: people are naturally drawn to those with power and resources, particularly generous individuals. Many will flatter, appeal to, or seek the company of a noble and giving person, hoping to receive benefits. It describes a pragmatic aspect of human interaction where the ability to give gifts or bestow favors readily attracts a large following and many "friends." This often points to relationships built on expectation of material gain rather than genuine affection.

Proverbs 19 6 Context

Proverbs 19, like much of the book, uses antithetical parallelism to contrast wisdom and folly, righteousness and wickedness, often through observations about social dynamics and human nature. This specific verse (19:6) falls within a series of proverbs (19:4, 19:7) that highlight the impact of wealth and poverty on one's social standing. Verse 4 notes how "wealth makes many friends, but a poor man is deserted by his neighbor," and verse 7 states "All a poor man's relatives hate him; how much more do his friends desert him!" Thus, Proverbs 19:6 directly expands on the principle that material resources significantly influence who is attracted to, or repelled from, an individual, revealing a practical truth about social relationships in that ancient agrarian society and indeed in human societies generally. The verse speaks to a common experience and observation rather than a direct moral imperative or condemnation.

Proverbs 19 6 Word analysis

• Many (רַבִּים - rabbim): Refers to a large number, a multitude. It emphasizes the sheer quantity of people drawn to such an individual, indicating a widespread phenomenon.

• entreat the favor (יְחַלּוּ פְנֵי - yekhallu penei): This phrase literally means "they seek the face of" or "they make the face bright/smooth." It implies a posture of humble appeal, supplication, flattery, or seeking approval. It's more than just asking; it's an earnest plea, often involving deferential behavior, a common way to approach those in authority or those who can grant a request in ancient Near Eastern culture.

• generous man (נָדִיב - nadiv): This term signifies one who is noble, liberal, or willing to give. It describes a person of inherent high status, perhaps a prince or a chief, characterized by an open hand and magnanimous spirit. This isn't merely someone rich, but someone who uses their wealth bountifully.

• and everybody (וְכָל־הָרֵעַ - vekol-hare'a): This phrase can be interpreted as "and all his friends" or "and every friend/companion." Some translations render it "every man's friend," implying that a man of gifts is befriended by everyone. It underscores the universal appeal of such an individual within their social sphere.

• man who gives gifts (לְאִישׁ מַתָּן - l'ish mattan): Literally "to a man of giving/presents." This emphasizes that it's the consistent act of bestowing gifts, or having a reputation for it, that garners such attention. A "man of gifts" is known by his material benevolence, distinct from the inherent nobility of the nadiv.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • Many entreat the favor of a generous man: This highlights the human tendency to flock towards power and influence. "Seeking the face" speaks to a posture of deference and perhaps self-interest in the hope of receiving benefits. The "generous man" implies someone who has resources and is known to share them.
  • and everybody is a friend to a man who gives gifts: This second clause expands on the first, explicitly linking the act of giving (gifts) with attracting "friends." It points out the conditional nature of such friendships, suggesting they are built on what can be obtained rather than mutual affection or shared values.

Proverbs 19 6 Bonus section

The Hebrew word for "generous man" (נָדִיב - nadiv) carries connotations of voluntariness and nobility, appearing also in contexts of spontaneous, willing offerings for sacred purposes (Ex 35:5, 21, 29). This suggests that the "generous man" here isn't merely rich, but one whose giving stems from a willing, almost princely, nature. However, the observation in this Proverb underscores that even genuine generosity can attract self-serving attention, highlighting the recipient's motivation more than the giver's. This proverb does not teach against generosity, which is commended elsewhere (Prov 22:9), but rather identifies a consequence of it in social relations that should be prudently acknowledged.

Proverbs 19 6 Commentary

Proverbs 19:6 presents a shrewd observation on human social dynamics: generosity and wealth inherently attract a following. This is not necessarily a moral judgment, but a stark reality check. The verse shows how the powerful, noble, and liberal giver gains favor and widespread "friendship." People "entreat their favor" – a phrase suggesting active seeking, flattery, and appealing to a superior. The "man who gives gifts" quickly finds that "everyone is his friend," implying that such relationships can be based more on material benefit than genuine affection or loyalty. This Proverb serves as a reminder to discern true friendships from opportunistic alliances. It cautions against relying on fleeting human favor and superficial relationships cultivated through wealth or gifts, which are contrasted with the enduring love of a true friend (Prov 17:17). Practically, it underscores that genuine influence comes not merely from what one has, but from wisdom, integrity, and righteousness, which draw those seeking true value. It also implicitly highlights the spiritual truth that God, as the ultimate Giver (Jas 1:17), commands ultimate reverence, not based on fleeting gifts but on His eternal nature and goodness.