Proverbs 19:4

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about money:

Proverbs 19:4 (NASV)

Wealth adds many friends,

But a poor man is separated from his friend.

Proverbs 19:4 (NIV)

Wealth brings many friends,

but a poor man’s friend deserts him.

Proverbs 19:4 (ESV)

Wealth brings many new friends,

but a poor man is deserted by his friend.

Money talks.   Money talks to many people, according to this proverb.   Money is like a magnet that draws people around it.  When you have money (or, when people think you have money) they are drawn to be your friends.   Many people want to hang with money people. People with money will deny that it is their money that attracts others but they will be deceiving only themselves.   Those who are friends with people with money know they are friends because of the money.   On the other side of all this is the poor man.  The poor man, who has no money, not only doesn't have friends he has to deal with those who desert him because he has no money.    It is interesting to hear about someone who died "poor" and alone, only to find out later they actually had much wealth.   God is the only friend the poor has (and needs).    Poor man and rich men have different social circles.   Poor men live alone, while the rich man is a social being.