Homilist Proverbs 19:4 Wealth makes many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbor. I. THE TRIALS OF POVERTY. 1. Degradation. "The poor useth entreaties." To beg of a fellow-man is a degradation; it is that from which our manhood revolts. "The poor useth entreaties." They have to mortify the natural independence of their spirit. They are subjected to — 2. Insolent treatment. "The rich answereth roughly." 3. Social desertion. "The poor is separated from his neighbour." Who in this selfish world will make friends with the poor, however superior in intellect or excellent in character? When the wealthy man with his large circle of friends becomes poor the poles of his magnet are reversed, and his old friends feel the repulsion. II. THE TEMPTATIONS OF WEALTH. 1. Upon the mind of its possessor. It tends to promote haughtiness and insolence. "The rich answereth roughly." The temptation of wealth is revealed — 2. Upon the mind of the wealthy man's circle. "Wealth maketh many friends." III. THE SELFISHNESS OF SOCIETY. "Every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts." (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.WEB: Wealth adds many friends, but the poor is separated from his friend. |
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