Bible/Proverbs/19

Proverbs 19:7

19:6 Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts. him: Heb. a man of gifts
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.

KJV

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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.

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.

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.

19:8 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good. wisdom: Heb. an heart

What does Proverbs 19:7 mean?

Proverbs 19:7 is a verse in the book of Proverbs, in the Old Testament. In the original Hebrew, key words include אָח (ʼâch), רוּשׁ (rûwsh), שָׂנֵא (sânêʼ). It connects to 12 cross-referenced passages elsewhere in Scripture.

Hebrew interlinear

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All
the
brethrenאָחʼâch/awkh/H251a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance (like father))
of
the
poorרוּשׁrûwsh/roosh/H7326to be destitute
do
hateשָׂנֵאsânêʼ/saw-nay'/H8130to hate (personally)
him:
how
much
more
do
his
friendsמֵרֵעַmêrêaʻ/may-ray'-ah/H4828a friend
go
farרָחַקrâchaq/raw-khak'/H7368to widen (in any direction), i.e. (intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove (literally or figuratively, of place or relation)
from
him?
he
pursuethרָדַףrâdaph/raw-daf'/H7291to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively (of time) gone by)
them
with
words,אֵמֶרʼêmer/ay'-mer/H561something said
yet
they
are
wanting
to
him.

Commentary on Proverbs 19:7

HENRY_FULL · Proverbs 19:6–7
him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him. These two verses are a comment upon v. 4 , and show, 1. How those that are rich and great are courted and caressed, and have suitors and servants in abundance. The prince that has power in his hand, and preferments at his disposal, has his gate and his ante-chamber thronged with petitioners, that are ready to adore him for what they can get. Many will entreat his favour, and think themselves happy in it. Even great men are humble suppliants to the prince. How earnest then should we be for the favour of God, which is far beyond that of any earthly prince. But, it should seem, liberality will go further than majesty itself to gain respect, for there are many that court the prince, but every man is a friend to him that gives gifts; not only those that have received, or do expect, gifts from him, will, as friends, be ready to serve him, but others also will, as friends, give him their good word. Prodigals, who are foolishly free of what they have, will have many hangers-on who will cry them up as long as it lasts, but will leave them when it is done. Those that are prudently generous make an interest by it which may stand them in good stead; those that are accounted benefactors exercise an authority which may give them an opportunity of doing good, Luke xxii. 25 . 2. How those that are poor and low are slighted and despised. Men may, if they please, court the prince, and the princely, but they may not trample upon the poor and look at them with disdain. Yet so it often is: All the brethren of the poor do hate him; even his own relations are shy of him, because he is needy and craving, and expects something from them, and because they look upon him as a blemish to their family; and then no marvel if others of his friends, that were nothing akin to him, go far from him, to get out of his way. He pursues them with words, hoping to prevail with them by his importunity to be kind to him, but all in vain; they have nothing for him. They pursue him with words (so some understand it), to excuse themselves from giving him any thing; they tell him that he is idle and impertinent, that he has brought himself into poverty, and therefore ought not to be relieved; as Nabal said to David's messengers: " There are many servants now a days that run away from their masters; and how do I know but that David may be one of them?" Let poor people therefore make God their friend, pursue him with their prayers, and he will not be wanting to them. Domestic Grievances. 8 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he tha

Cross-references

Related passages from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

1 Samuel 2:1

And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.

Proverbs 19:2

Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.

Proverbs 19:16

He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.

Proverbs 19:17

He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. that which: or, his deed

Proverbs 19:28

An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity. An: Heb. A witness of Belial

Proverbs 20:1

Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

Proverbs 20:5

Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.

John 1:17

For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

John 17:6

I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.

John 17:11

And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

John 17:26

And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

2 Corinthians 1:20

For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

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Verses like this

Other verses that share key original-language words with Proverbs 19:7.

Deuteronomy 19:6

Lest the avenger of the blood pursue the slayer, while his heart is hot, and overtake him, because the way is long, and slay him; whereas he was not worthy of death, inasmuch as he hated him not in time past. slay: Heb. smite him in life in: Heb. from yesterday the third day

Deuteronomy 30:7

And the LORD thy God will put all these curses upon thine enemies, and on them that hate thee, which persecuted thee.

Genesis 14:14

And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan. armed: or, led forth trained: or, instructed

Genesis 44:4

And when they were gone out of the city, and not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good?

Joshua 20:5

And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbour unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime.

Judges 15:2

And her father said, I verily thought that thou hadst utterly hated her; therefore I gave her to thy companion: is not her younger sister fairer than she? take her, I pray thee, instead of her. take: Heb. let her be thine

Leviticus 26:17

And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you.

Frequently asked questions

What does Proverbs 19:7 say?

Proverbs 19:7 (King James Version) reads: "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."

Is Proverbs 19:7 in the Old or New Testament?

Proverbs 19:7 is in the Old Testament of the Bible, in the book of Proverbs.

Reflect

As you read Proverbs 19:7, what is one truth here you can carry into today?

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