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

PROVERBS 14:20KJV
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Proverbs 14:20 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 14:20 mean?

Proverbs 14:20 describes how a poor person is often disliked, even by those living nearby, while a wealthy person tends to have many people who want to be close to him. The verse points out a hard truth about how people are treated differently based on their wealth or lack of it.

This proverb is part of a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to Solomon, addressed to anyone seeking wisdom for daily life. The verse highlights the reality of social relationships in ancient Israel, where being poor could lead to isolation, while wealth attracted attention and friendship, whether genuine or not.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 14:20

  • The word for "poor" is רָשׁ (rash), meaning someone who is needy or lacking resources. This highlights that the verse is about material poverty, not just a general sense of lacking.
  • "Hated" uses the word שָׂנֵא (sane), which often means strong dislike or rejection, not just mild disfavor. This shows the depth of negative feeling the poor person might face.
  • "Neighbour" comes from רֵעַ (re'a), which can mean a close companion or someone living nearby, suggesting that even those expected to be supportive may turn away.
  • "Rich" is עָשִׁיר (ashir), meaning someone with plenty, and "friends" uses אָהֵב (ahev), which can mean loved ones or companions, hinting that the relationships the rich attract may not always be sincere.

Why Proverbs 14:20 matters

  • Proverbs 14:20 challenges the idea that friendship is always based on character or loyalty, showing how wealth can influence relationships.
  • The verse warns readers not to assume that popularity or social acceptance is a sign of true worth or virtue.
  • In the wider context of Proverbs, this saying fits with other verses that caution against judging people by outward success or possessions, encouraging a deeper look at what truly matters in relationships.

Where else these words appear

“rich” Hebrew H6223 · used in 23 verses

  • Exodus 30:15 The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when they give an offering unto the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls.
  • Psalms 49:2 Both low and high, rich and poor, together.
  • Proverbs 28:6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

“poor” Hebrew H7326 · used in 24 verses

  • 1 Samuel 18:23 And Saul's servants spake those words in the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it to you a light thing to be a king's son in law, seeing that I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed?
  • Proverbs 13:7 There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.
  • Proverbs 22:2 The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.

“hated” Hebrew H8130 · used in 139 verses

  • Genesis 24:60 And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.
  • Esther 9:1 Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them,(though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;)
  • Proverbs 1:22 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?