King James Version

What Does Proverbs 14:20 Mean?

Proverbs 14:20 in the King James Version says “The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends. the rich: Heb. many are the lovers of the r...” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends. the rich: Heb. many are the lovers of the rich”

Proverbs 14:20 · KJV

Context

18

The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19

The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

20

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

21

He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor , happy is he.

22

Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.

Read Proverbs 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends. This proverb observes harsh socioeconomic reality. Gam-lere'ehu yissane rash (גַּם־לְרֵעֵהוּ יִשָּׂנֵא רָשׁ, even by his neighbor the poor is hated). Even close neighbors distance from the poor. Ve'ohavey ashir rabbim (וְאֹהֲבֵי עָשִׁיר רַבִּים, but lovers of the rich are many). Wealth attracts numerous 'friends'—though their motives may be selfish. This isn't moral endorsement but sociological observation of fallen human nature that values people by wealth rather than character.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient societies lacked social safety nets. The poor depended on family and neighbors for survival. Yet often even neighbors avoided the poor, seeing them as burdens. The rich, offering opportunities for profit or advancement, attracted multitudes. Mosaic Law countered this tendency, commanding kindness to the poor (Leviticus 19:9-10, Deuteronomy 15:7-11) and prohibiting partiality toward the rich (Leviticus 19:15, James 2:1-9).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this proverb expose the sinful human tendency to value people by wealth or status rather than God's image in them?
  2. In what ways might you be gravitating toward 'rich' people (in wealth, influence, or status) while avoiding the 'poor'?
  3. How does Jesus' friendship with sinners and the poor (Luke 7:34) challenge this pattern and model true love?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
גַּם1 of 7
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

לְ֭רֵעֵהוּ2 of 7

“even of his own neighbour”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

יִשָּׂ֣נֵא3 of 7

“is hated”

H8130

to hate (personally)

רָ֑שׁ4 of 7

“The poor”

H7326

to be destitute

וְאֹהֲבֵ֖י5 of 7

“friends”

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

עָשִׁ֣יר6 of 7

“but the rich”

H6223

rich, whether literal or figurative (noble)

רַבִּֽים׃7 of 7

“hath many”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 14:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 14:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 19:4Proverbs 10:15Proverbs 19:6-7Job 30:10Esther 5:10-11Esther 3:2

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