Proverbs 19:6 - Meaning and Application

These verses explain Proverbs 19:4. They show, first, how rich and powerful people are often chased after and flattered. A prince, a ruler with power and gifts to give, has many people crowding around him. His doorway and waiting room are full of petitioners, all ready to honor him for what they hope to gain. Many beg for his favor and think they will be happy if they get it.

Even powerful people end up humbly asking the ruler for help. So how much more should we seek the favor of God, which is far greater than any earthly ruler’s favor. It also seems that generosity may win more respect than rank alone. Many people court a prince, but everyone is friendly to the person who gives gifts. Some will serve such a person because they have already received from him or expect to receive later. Others will speak well of him simply because he is known as a giver.

Wasteful spenders, who are too free with what they have, gather many hangers-on. These people praise them while the money lasts, but leave when it is gone. On the other hand, wise generosity builds a useful kind of influence. People known as benefactors gain a real standing, and that standing may give them chances to do good (Luke 22:25).

Second, the verse shows how poor and lowly people are often ignored and despised. People may, if they choose, court the prince and those like him, but they should not mistreat the poor or look down on them. Yet this often happens. All the poor man’s brothers hate him, that is, even his own relatives keep away from him because he is needy and always asking for help. They also see him as a burden or shame to the family. So it is no surprise if other friends, who are not blood relatives, stay far from him too.

He keeps pressing them with words, hoping that if he asks enough, they will help him. But it is useless, because they have nothing for him. Or, as some understand it, they press him with words, meaning they make excuses for not giving anything. They tell him he is lazy or troublesome, or that he brought poverty on himself, so he does not deserve help. That is like Nabal’s reply to David’s messengers, when he refused to be kind and spoke as if David were only one of many runaway servants.

Poor people should therefore make God their friend. Let them keep bringing their needs to him in prayer, and he will not fail them.