Proverbs 19:7
New International Version
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.

New Living Translation
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.

English Standard Version
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.

Berean Standard Bible
All the brothers of a poor man hate him—how much more do his friends avoid him! He may pursue them with pleading, but they are nowhere to be found.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
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.

New American Standard Bible
All the brothers of a poor person hate him; How much more do his friends abandon him! He pursues them with words, but they are gone.

NASB 1995
All the brothers of a poor man hate him; How much more do his friends abandon him! He pursues them with words, but they are gone.

NASB 1977
All the brothers of a poor man hate him; How much more do his friends go far from him! He pursues them with words, but they are gone.

Legacy Standard Bible
All the brothers of a poor man hate him; How much more do his friends distance themselves from him! He pursues them with words, but they are no more.

Amplified Bible
All the brothers of a poor man hate him; How much more do his friends abandon him! He pursues them with words, but they are gone.

Christian Standard Bible
All the brothers of a poor person hate him; how much more do his friends keep their distance from him! He may pursue them with words, but they are not there.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
All the brothers of a poor man hate him; how much more do his friends keep their distance from him! He may pursue them with words, but they are not there.

American Standard Version
All the brethren of the poor do hate him: How much more do his friends go far from him! He pursueth them with words, but they are gone.

Contemporary English Version
If you are poor, your own relatives reject you, and your friends are worse. When you really need them, they are not there.

English Revised Version
All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him! he pursueth them with words, but they are gone.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The entire family of a poor person hates him. How much more do his friends keep their distance from him! When he chases them with words, they are gone.

Good News Translation
Even the relatives of a poor person have no use for him; no wonder he has no friends. No matter how hard he tries, he cannot win any.

International Standard Version
All the relatives of a poor person shun him— how much more do his friends avoid him! Though he runs after them pleading, they aren't around.

Majority Standard Bible
All the brothers of a poor man hate him?how much more do his friends avoid him! He may pursue them with pleading, but they are nowhere to be found.

NET Bible
All the relatives of a poor person hate him; how much more do his friends avoid him--he pursues them with words, but they do not respond.

New Heart English Bible
All the relatives of the poor shun him: how much more do his friends avoid him. He pursues them with pleas, but they are gone.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
All the relatives of the poor shun him; how much more do his friends avoid him! He pursues them with pleas, but they are gone.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
All the brothers of the poor have hated him, "" Surely his friends have also been far from him, "" He is pursuing words—they are not!

Young's Literal Translation
All the brethren of the poor have hated him, Surely also his friends have been far from him, He is pursuing words -- they are not!

Smith's Literal Translation
All the brethren of the poor hated him: how much more his friends removed far from him? pursuing words they are not.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The brethren of the poor man hate him: moreover also his friends have departed far from him. He that followeth after words only, shall have nothing.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The brothers of the poor man hate him. Moreover, even his friends have withdrawn far from him. Whoever pursues only words shall have nothing.

New American Bible
All the kin of the poor despise them; how much more do their friends shun them!

New Revised Standard Version
If the poor are hated even by their kin, how much more are they shunned by their friends! When they call after them, they are not there.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
All the brothers of the poor hate him; also his friends go far from him. He who makes mischief with his words is insincere.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
All the brethren of the poor man hate him and his friends are far removed from him; he that is malicious in his words is not trustworthy.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
All the brethren of the poor do hate him; How much more do his friends go far from him! He that pursueth words, they turn against him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Every one who hates his poor brother shall also be far from friendship. Good understanding will draw near to them that know it, and a sensible man will find it. He that does much harm perfects mischief; and he that used provoking words shall not escape.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Man of Integrity
6Many seek the favor of the prince, and everyone is a friend of the gift giver. 7All the brothers of a poor man hate him— how much more do his friends avoid him! He may pursue them with pleading, but they are nowhere to be found. 8He who acquires wisdom loves himself; one who safeguards understanding will find success.…

Cross References
Proverbs 14:20
The poor man is hated even by his neighbor, but many are those who love the rich.

Proverbs 18:23
The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly.

Psalm 38:11
My beloved and friends shun my disease, and my kinsmen stand at a distance.

Job 19:13-14
He has removed my brothers from me; my acquaintances have abandoned me. / My kinsmen have failed me, and my friends have forgotten me.

Luke 16:9
I tell you, use worldly wealth to make friends for yourselves so that when it is gone, they will welcome you into eternal dwellings.

James 2:5-6
Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him? / But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you and drag you into court?

Ecclesiastes 9:16
And I said, “Wisdom is better than strength, but the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are not heeded.”

Psalm 88:8
You have removed my friends from me; You have made me repulsive to them; I am confined and cannot escape.

Job 6:15-23
But my brothers are as faithless as wadis, as seasonal streams that overflow, / darkened because of the ice and the inflow of melting snow, / but ceasing in the dry season and vanishing from their channels in the heat. ...

Luke 15:16
He longed to fill his belly with the pods the pigs were eating, but no one would give him a thing.

Matthew 25:42-45
For I was hungry and you gave Me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink, / I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, I was naked and you did not clothe Me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after Me.’ / And they too will reply, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ ...

1 John 3:17
If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?

Psalm 41:9
Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.

2 Timothy 4:16
At my first defense, no one stood with me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be charged against them.

Isaiah 41:17
The poor and needy seek water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. I, the LORD, will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.


Treasury of Scripture

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

the brethren

Proverbs 19:4
Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.

Proverbs 14:20
The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.

Psalm 38:11
My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off.

he

Proverbs 21:13
Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

Luke 18:38-40
And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me…

yet

Proverbs 18:23
The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.

James 2:15,16
If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, …

1 John 3:17,18
But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? …

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Abandon Avoid Far Friends Hate Hated Nowhere Pleading Pleas Poor Pursues Pursueth Pursuing Relatives Shun Surely Turn Wanting Words
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Proverbs 19
1. Life and Conduct














All the brothers of a poor man hate him—
In ancient Near Eastern culture, family ties were crucial for survival and social standing. The term "brothers" here can refer to both literal siblings and extended family or close kin. The use of "hate" indicates a strong aversion or neglect, highlighting the societal tendency to distance oneself from those who are impoverished. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the challenges faced by the poor, as seen in Job 19:13-14, where Job laments the abandonment by his family and friends during his time of suffering. The verse underscores the harsh reality of social dynamics where wealth often dictates relationships.

how much more do his friends avoid him!
Friends, unlike family, are not bound by blood and thus may feel even less obligation to maintain a relationship with someone who is poor. This phrase emphasizes the fickle nature of human relationships based on material wealth. In the cultural context of the time, friendships were often formed for mutual benefit, and poverty could sever these ties. This is echoed in Proverbs 14:20, which similarly notes the isolation of the poor. The avoidance by friends serves as a warning against placing trust in human relationships over divine provision and faithfulness.

He may pursue them with pleading,
The image of the poor man pursuing his friends with pleading suggests desperation and vulnerability. This pursuit indicates an active effort to seek help or companionship, highlighting the poor man's awareness of his social isolation. The act of pleading can be seen as a form of supplication, akin to the biblical practice of seeking mercy or favor, as seen in the Psalms. This reflects the broader biblical narrative of the marginalized crying out for justice and support, as in Psalm 72:12-14, where the righteous king is called to deliver the needy.

but they are nowhere to be found.
This phrase completes the picture of abandonment, illustrating the futility of the poor man's efforts to reconnect with those who once were close. The absence of friends in times of need contrasts with the biblical ideal of steadfast love and loyalty, as exemplified by Jonathan's friendship with David (1 Samuel 18:1-4). It serves as a reminder of the transient nature of human relationships and the need for reliance on God, who is described as a "friend who sticks closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24). This absence also foreshadows the ultimate rejection faced by Christ, who was abandoned by His disciples in His hour of need (Mark 14:50).

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Poor Man
Represents individuals who lack material wealth and resources. In the context of ancient Israel, poverty was often seen as a social stigma, leading to isolation and neglect.

2. Brothers
Symbolizes close family members or those who should naturally be supportive. The verse highlights the failure of familial support in times of need.

3. Friends
Represents those outside the immediate family circle who are expected to offer companionship and support. Their avoidance underscores the social challenges faced by the impoverished.

4. Pleading
The act of the poor man seeking help, which is met with rejection. This reflects the desperation and vulnerability of those in poverty.

5. Avoidance
The response of the friends and brothers, indicating a societal tendency to distance oneself from those in need.
Teaching Points
The Reality of Social Isolation
Poverty often leads to social isolation, even from those who should be supportive. This calls for a compassionate response from believers.

The Call to Compassion
Christians are called to be the hands and feet of Christ, reaching out to those in need rather than avoiding them.

The Danger of Materialism
The tendency to value relationships based on material wealth is contrary to biblical teaching. Believers should cultivate relationships based on love and mutual respect.

The Importance of Community Support
The church should be a place where the poor find acceptance and support, reflecting the love of Christ.

The Role of Advocacy
Beyond personal relationships, Christians are called to advocate for systemic changes that address poverty and social injustice.(7) He pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to Him.--The first half of a verse has apparently dropped out here. The sense may be, that the poor man hunts after words--i.e., seeks to get promises of help from his friends, and these end in nothing--mere talk.

Verse 7. - This is one of the few tristichs in the book, and probably contains the mutilated remains of two distichs. The third line, corrected by the Septuagint, which has an addition here, runs into two clauses (Cheyne). All the brethren of the poor do hate him. Even his own brothers, children of the same parents, hate and shun a poor man (Proverbs 14:20). Much more do his friends go far from him. There should be no interrogation. We have the expression (aph-ki) in Proverbs 11:31; Proverbs 15:11, etc. Euripides, 'Medea,' 561 -

Πένητα φεύγει πᾶς τις ἐκποδὼν φίλος

"Each single friend far from the poor man flies." Septuagint. "Every one who hateth a poor brother will be also far from friendship." Then follows an addition not found m the Hebrew, "Good thought draweth nigh to those who know it, and a prudent man will find it. He who doeth much evil brings malice to perfection (τελεσιουργεῖ κακίαν); and he who rouses words to anger shall not be safe." He pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him; or, they are gone. He makes a pathetic appeal to his quondam friends, but they hearken not to him. But the sense is rather, "He pursueth after, craves for, words of kindness or promises of help, and there is naught, or he gets words only and no material aid." Wordsworth quotes Catullus, 'Carm.,' 38:5 -

"Quem tu, quod minimum facillimumque est,
Qua solatus es adlocutione?
Irascor tibi. Sic meos amores?"
Vulgate, Qui tantum verba sectatur, nihil habebit, "He who pursues words only shall have naught." The Hebrew is literally, "Seeking words, they are not" This is according to the Khetib; the Keri, instead of the negation לא, reads לו, which makes the clause signify, "He who pursues words, they are to him;" i.e. he gets words and nothing else. Delitzsch and others, supplying the lost member from the Septuagint, read the third line thus: "He that hath many friends, or the friend of every one, is requited with evil; and he that seeketh (fair) speeches shall not be delivered." Cheyne also makes a distich of this line, taking the Septuagint as representing the original reading, "He that does much evil perfects mischief: He that provokes with words shall not escape." That something has fallen out of the Hebrew text is evident; it seems that there are no examples of tristichs in this part of our book, though they are not unknown in the first and third divisions. The Vulgate surmounts the difficulty by connecting this third line with the following verse, which thus is made to form the antithesis, Qui tantum verba sectatur, nihil habebit; Qui autem possessor est mentis, diligit animam suam, et custos prudentiae inveniet bona."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
All
כָּ֥ל (kāl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the brothers
אֲחֵי־ (’ă·ḥê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 251: A brother, )

of a poor man
רָ֨שׁ ׀ (rāš)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7326: To be in want or poor

hate him—
שְֽׂנֵאֻ֗הוּ (śə·nê·’u·hū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8130: To hate

how much more
אַ֤ף (’ap̄)
Conjunction
Strong's 637: Meaning accession, yea, adversatively though

do his friends
מְ֭רֵעֵהוּ (mə·rê·‘ê·hū)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4828: Friend, companion

avoid
רָחֲק֣וּ (rā·ḥă·qū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 7368: To be or become far or distant

him!
מִמֶּ֑נּוּ (mim·men·nū)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

He may pursue
מְרַדֵּ֖ף (mə·rad·dêp̄)
Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7291: To pursue, chase, persecute

them with pleading,
אֲמָרִ֣ים (’ă·mā·rîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 561: Something said

but they
הֵֽמָּה׃ (hêm·māh)
Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992: They

are nowhere to be found.
לוֹ־ (lōw-)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3808: Not, no


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 19:7 All the relatives of the poor shun (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 19:6
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