Proverbs 19:6
Many will seek the favor of a generous man, And every man is a friend to him who gives gifts.
Rich people have lots of friends. Build a pool and see how many people come over. Buy a boat and see how many people want to go to the lake. Be generous and you'll find someone suddenly hungry and want to go to dinner. When someone is truly generous with others they will have many “others.” Many will seek their "favor." Perhaps this why so many people with money don't act generously? Riches seem to draw others. The power and prestige that comes with riches seems to be attractive to others. Many desire to be rich. And, when you think of it, being rich only matters if others know. Most people want others to know they have money. When you show others that you have wealth you will draw many to you. So, beware of trying to accumulate wealth. You will not only get money you will many who want to share in it. The second line in this proverb talks about how people are attracted to free stuff. They want to know when someone is going to give them a gift. The proverb is not saying we should not be wealthy. It is not saying we should not be generous. What it is saying is that wealth and generosity attracts others. We need to be aware of that. We don’t have to stop doing what we do, but we do have to beware of the possibility that others may be coming to us only because we have wealth. Although the “proverbs” are not written and compiled interrelated as other chapters in the Bible, note what the very next proverb of Solomon states:
Proverbs 19:7 (ESV)
7 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.
Friends can be fickle!!
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