Proverbs 14:20 Meaning and Explanation
“The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The poor are despised even by neighbors; the rich attract many friends.
The Context of Proverbs 14:20
Proverbs observes the harsh realities of how wealth and poverty shape human relationships.
What Does Proverbs 14:20 Mean?
This verse observes a painful social reality: poverty brings isolation and rejection even from those nearby. Neighbors, those closest, may regard the poor with disdain or indifference. The poor person cannot offer advantage or connection, so those around him distance themselves. Poverty becomes a kind of social exile.
Wealth, by contrast, magnetizes friendship and favor. The rich attract those who hope for benefit or connection. Many gather around the wealthy person, offering friendship and attention. The verse notes the inequality without judgment—this is how human nature often operates, driven by self-interest rather than genuine relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 14:20
What does Proverbs 14:20 mean?
The poor are despised even by neighbors; the rich attract many friends.
What is the context of Proverbs 14:20?
Proverbs observes the harsh realities of how wealth and poverty shape human relationships.