Definition: Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this proverb – Proverbs 19:4 – about wealth and friendship. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse basically says that having plenty of money doesn’t automatically make you popular or have lots of friends. In fact, when you’re poor, people tend to distance themselves from you. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Wealth maketh many friends…” – This means that those who are wealthy (have a lot of money) often have a good network of people around them. They can build relationships and connections. “…but the poor is separated from his neighbour.” – This is the key part. When you’re struggling financially, it becomes harder to form friendships. People might be wary of you because you're in a difficult situation. You might not be trustworthy or reliable enough for someone to want to spend time with. So, what does this mean practically? It suggests that kindness, generosity, and being helpful are more important for building strong relationships than having a lot of money. True friendship is built on trust and mutual respect, not solely on wealth. In short, the verse emphasizes the importance of character and goodwill over material possessions. --- Do you want to delve deeper into any aspect of this verse? For example, would you like me to: Explain why this proverb is thought to be true? Discuss how it relates to real-life situations?