Proverbs 14:20
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The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.
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Money lies! Money corrupts! This proverb represents Solomon's sad observation of human selfishness: men are friendly for what they can get from others. Even a poor man's neighbors hate him, because he is of no use to them in getting ahead. But a rich man, no matter what his character or conduct, has more friends than he can use.
Money lies! The fine things of the rich, their many friends in high places, their dignified manners, and their ability to help are all dangerous illusions. They tell you nothing of the heart and soul behind the prosperous eyes and beneath the luxurious clothes. Many rich men are arrogant and have nothing noble or virtuous about them (18:23; I Sam 25:10). As a woman's beauty does not prove character, neither does a man's wealth (11:22; 31:30).
Money corrupts! Men that ought to love their neighbors will hate them for the simple reason they are poor. Men that ought to hate proud oppressors will grovel before the rich, in hope they might eat crumbs that fall from his plate. If the rich ask for a favor, they will leap at the opportunity and often shut their eyes to compromise or evil involved (17:23).
The measure of a person is his soul, character, and conduct, not his wealth. Nabal was very rich, but he was a pig (I Sam 25:2-11). Ruth was a destitute Moabite widow, but she was a jewel of a virtuous woman (Ruth 3:11). Instead of considering what a person earns or owns, wise men will inquire about their fear of God and observe their moral conduct.
What are the lessons? The proverb is not teaching what should be, but rather what is common. One lesson is that popularity proves nothing (19:4,6). Another is a warning against measuring by assets, rather than character (19:7). Another is to remember that true friends are not affected by a change in circumstances (17:17). And a further lesson is to guard against preferential treatment of the rich and respect of persons (Jas 2:1-10).
But there are other lessons. God chose His elect for salvation mainly from the poor of this world (I Cor 1:26-29; Jas 2:5). Therefore, though poverty may indicate a low standing in society, it says nothing of one's standing with God. It was much better to be the beggar Lazarus being licked by dogs than to be the rich man living in luxury (Luke 16:19-31).
No matter how dear are the friends, or how many there are of them, that reject you; you can know God will never desert you, no matter how poor (Ps 73:25-26; Heb 13:5-6). He set His love on you when you were his hateful enemy, and He will not lift it for the minor turns of life's events (Rom 5:6-11). He became poor to make you rich (II Cor 8:9).
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