The Poor Hated - Proverbs 14:20

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous”, and in chapter fourteen and verse twenty of Proverbs Solomon said, “the poor is hated even of his own neighbor” where we read,

The poor is hated even of his own neighbor: but the rich has many friends.

The verse begins, “The poor is hated even of his own neighbor:” Solomon began with the words, “the poor” or “the impoverished, hungry and lacking” “is hated” which means “exists as an odious one, enemy and foe” “even of his own neighbor” or “also and indeed toward the poor person's own personal friend, companion and intimate fellow-citizen”. Solomon shared how the impoverished person is indeed as an enemy and foe to his own personal intimate companion and friend.

The verse continues, “but the rich has many friends.” Solomon added the words, “but the rich” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover the person who is wealthy and noble” “has many friends” which means “possesses a multitude, abundant amount and numerous affectionate companions”. Solomon said the person who is wealthy and noble possesses a multitude of intimate companions.

When we think through Solomon's words in this verse, we see how people who are “poor” and people who are “rich” are received differently among others. It seems that wealthy people have a lot of companions, and the impoverished person seems to have few friends. God knows the financial state of everyone, and although Jesus owned everything, He emptied Himself to come to the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind. (See Philippians 2:6-8) When we put our faith and trust in Jesus as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and be “a friend closer than a brother” through His Holy Spirit regardless of our status or financial position in the world. (See Proverbs 18:24)

Next time Solomon says, “he that despises his neighbor sins”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".