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 relatives of a poor person reject him - and his friends distance themselves from him even more. He tries to reach out to them with words, but they are nowhere to be found.
This verse observes the harsh reality that even family and friends often abandon someone when they become poor, leaving them isolated despite their attempts to maintain relationships.
📚 Historical Context
This proverb reflects the social realities of ancient Israel, where family and community networks were crucial for survival and prosperity. In a society without social safety nets, poverty could lead to complete social isolation. The wisdom literature often addressed these uncomfortable truths about human nature and social dynamics.
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