Proverbs 19:7 - All the relatives of the poor shun him: how much more do his friends avoid him! He pursues them with pleas, but they are gone.
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What does "Proverbs 19:7" mean?
Proverbs 19:7 speaks to the isolating nature of poverty. Let's break it down:
"All the relatives of the poor shun him:" This means that even family members, who are typically expected to be supportive, distance themselves from someone who is poor. This could be due to a fear of being asked for money, embarrassment, or simply a desire to avoid the hardships associated with poverty.
"how much more do his friends avoid him!" If even family is shunning the poor person, the proverb argues that friends are even more likely to do so. Friends often have fewer obligations than family, and their relationships may be more dependent on social or economic equality.
"He pursues them with pleas, but they are gone." The impoverished person actively seeks out these relationships, begging for help or companionship, but his efforts are in vain. His friends and relatives have disappeared from his life, leaving him isolated and alone.
Overall Meaning:
The verse highlights the social stigma and isolation often experienced by the poor. Poverty doesn't just mean a lack of material resources; it can also lead to a loss of social connections. People may avoid the poor due to self-interest, fear of being burdened, or simply a desire to maintain social distance from hardship. The verse paints a picture of someone desperate for connection but ultimately abandoned due to their financial situation.
Implications:
Compassion and Empathy: It encourages us to be compassionate towards the poor and not to judge them based on their financial situation. We should be mindful of the social isolation they might be experiencing.
Social Commentary: It serves as a commentary on the harsh realities of how society often treats the less fortunate.
Warning against Self-Centeredness: It implicitly warns against being a fair-weather friend, suggesting that true friendship should endure regardless of financial circumstances.
In essence, Proverbs 19:7 is a poignant observation about the way poverty can erode social bonds and leave individuals feeling abandoned and alone.
Proverbs 19:7 - All the relatives of the poor shun him: how much more do his friends avoid him! He pursues them with pleas, but they are gone.
What does "Proverbs 19:7" mean?
Proverbs 19:7 speaks to the isolating nature of poverty. Let's break it down:
"All the relatives of the poor shun him:" This means that even family members, who are typically expected to be supportive, distance themselves from someone who is poor. This could be due to a fear of being asked for money, embarrassment, or simply a desire to avoid the hardships associated with poverty.
"how much more do his friends avoid him!" If even family is shunning the poor person, the proverb argues that friends are even more likely to do so. Friends often have fewer obligations than family, and their relationships may be more dependent on social or economic equality.
"He pursues them with pleas, but they are gone." The impoverished person actively seeks out these relationships, begging for help or companionship, but his efforts are in vain. His friends and relatives have disappeared from his life, leaving him isolated and alone.
Overall Meaning:
The verse highlights the social stigma and isolation often experienced by the poor. Poverty doesn't just mean a lack of material resources; it can also lead to a loss of social connections. People may avoid the poor due to self-interest, fear of being burdened, or simply a desire to maintain social distance from hardship. The verse paints a picture of someone desperate for connection but ultimately abandoned due to their financial situation.
Implications:
Compassion and Empathy: It encourages us to be compassionate towards the poor and not to judge them based on their financial situation. We should be mindful of the social isolation they might be experiencing.
Social Commentary: It serves as a commentary on the harsh realities of how society often treats the less fortunate.
Warning against Self-Centeredness: It implicitly warns against being a fair-weather friend, suggesting that true friendship should endure regardless of financial circumstances.
In essence, Proverbs 19:7 is a poignant observation about the way poverty can erode social bonds and leave individuals feeling abandoned and alone.