Proverbs 19:7 kjv

All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.

Proverbs 19:7 nkjv

All the brothers of the poor hate him; How much more do his friends go far from him! He may pursue them with words, yet they abandon him.

Proverbs 19:7 niv

The poor are shunned by all their relatives? how much more do their friends avoid them! Though the poor pursue them with pleading, they are nowhere to be found.

Proverbs 19:7 esv

All a poor man's brothers hate him; how much more do his friends go far from him! He pursues them with words, but does not have them.

Proverbs 19:7 nlt

The relatives of the poor despise them;
how much more will their friends avoid them!
Though the poor plead with them,
their friends are gone.

Proverbs 19 verses

Proverbs 19 7 Meaning

Proverbs 19:7 states a harsh reality of human nature: when a person falls into poverty, even close relatives turn against them or reject them. This alienation intensifies with more distant associates, as friends abandon them readily. Despite the poor individual's desperate pleas or efforts to reconnect, these relationships are lost, highlighting the isolating and dehumanizing effect of destitution in a fallen world.

Proverbs 19 7 Context

Proverbs 19 is part of the larger collection of Solomonic proverbs (Proverbs 10-22:16) which offer pithy observations and instructions for wise living. This chapter juxtaposes the value of integrity and diligence with the consequences of folly, idleness, and injustice. Verse 7 specifically addresses the social plight of the poor, acting as a realistic observation of human society rather than a moral imperative. In the ancient Near East, family and kinship ties (אֲחֵי - achê) were fundamental for support, security, and identity, providing a critical social safety net. To be abandoned by one's "brothers" meant profound social ruin and extreme vulnerability. This proverb speaks to the grim cultural reality where an individual's value was often tied to their perceived usefulness or resources, leading to the marginalized position of the destitute. It does not contain direct polemics but exposes a disheartening aspect of human nature that prioritizes self-interest over familial or friendly loyalty.

Proverbs 19 7 Word analysis

• All (כָּל – kol): Denotes totality and universality, emphasizing that this rejection is pervasive across an entire group.
• relatives/brothers (אֲחֵי – akhê): In Hebrew culture, `akh` refers not just to siblings but broadly to kinsmen, clan members, or even fellow countrymen. The breaking of these core familial ties highlights a deeply severe form of abandonment.
• poor (רָשׁ – rāsh): Refers to one who is financially destitute, needy, or lacking resources, making them socially vulnerable and often without means to offer reciprocation.
• hate (שָׂנְאֻהוּ – śān’ūhū): While 'hate' is a strong word, in this context, it often implies an aversion, disassociation, active shunning, or rejecting attitude that springs from discomfort, inconvenience, or self-preservation rather than direct malice. They push him away or keep him at arm's length.
• how much more (אַף כִּי – af kî): This phrase signals a qol wahomer (from light to heavy) or a fortiori argument. If even family, who should be loyal, abandons, how much more will less committed 'friends' do so. It highlights the increased severity of the subsequent action.
• friends (מְרֵעֵהוּ – mērēʿēhū): Refers to companions or associates, often those with whom one shares social interaction, perhaps for mutual benefit or enjoyment, making their abandonment less surprising but equally devastating.
• go far from him (רָחֲקוּ מִמֶּנּוּ – rāḥaqū mimmennū): Indicates both physical and relational distancing, a deliberate act of putting distance between themselves and the poor individual.
• He pursues (מְרַדֵּף – mᵉraddēf): Conveys the poor person's desperate attempts to maintain contact or elicit help, depicting a forlorn and futile chase after lost connections.
• words (אֲמָרִים – ʾǎmārîm): Refers to pleas, entreaties, arguments, or desperate calls for assistance. These are often his only remaining resource.
• they are gone (לֹא הֵמָּה – lōʾ hēmmâ): Literally "they are not" or "they are no more." It conveys the stark reality of their complete absence and the futility of his efforts; his pleas fall on deaf ears because there is no one there to hear them.

• "All the relatives of the poor hate him": This phrase portrays the fundamental breakdown of the most critical social support network. It reflects a sobering truth that self-interest often trumps familial obligation when one cannot offer reciprocal benefit or becomes a burden.
• "how much more do his friends go far from him!": This highlights the even greater fickleness of friendships compared to family ties. Friends, being less obligated, desert more quickly and completely when there is no perceived advantage to the relationship. It is a natural progression of social abandonment.
• "He pursues them with words, but they are gone.": This powerful ending illustrates the utter desperation and futility of the poor person's situation. Their attempts to plead, persuade, or remind others of past connections are met with an impenetrable wall of absence and indifference. It signifies complete and absolute abandonment.

Proverbs 19 7 Bonus section

This proverb primarily functions as an observation (descriptive wisdom) rather than a prescriptive command. It states "what is," reflecting the cold, practical nature of much human interaction in the absence of godly wisdom and love. While Proverbs generally points towards ethical living, this verse highlights the consequence of not living by God's principles—people choose personal advantage over compassion. The ultimate contrast to this pervasive human tendency is the unchanging nature of God, who never forsakes the righteous or abandons the poor (Ps 9:18; Deut 31:6).

Proverbs 19 7 Commentary

Proverbs 19:7 is a profound, albeit cynical, observation of the human condition and the harsh realities of poverty. It paints a vivid picture of the social isolation experienced by the destitute, revealing how quickly human relationships, even those seemingly strong, can dissolve under economic strain. This proverb doesn't command or condone such behavior, but rather diagnoses a widespread and disheartening pattern: people, driven by self-interest and a desire to avoid perceived burdens, will often abandon those who are poor. It speaks to the fragility of fair-weather friendships and the tragic erosion of social and familial bonds when one is most in need. This verse stands as a stark reminder of humanity's fallen state, emphasizing that true loyalty and steadfast love are rare qualities in a world often governed by convenience and utility. The contrast to God's unfailing love for the needy is striking, inviting believers to embody the divine heart of compassion rather than mirror this unfortunate human tendency.