Proverbs 19:6

Many will entreat the favor of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.
– Proverbs 19:6

Commentators vary whether this proverb is negative or positive. The word for many means abundant, indicating a large number. Generally, having many friends in Proverbs is negative (see commentary on Proverbs 18:24). The prince and him that giveth gifts both have a power to give and do for others, so men naturally are drawn to them (Proverbs 29:26). The poor have fewer friends because they have no power to draw to themselves (Proverbs 19:4). The emphasis on friendship in Proverbs doesn’t have to do with being poor or rich, but it is better to have fewer and truer friends (Proverbs 17:17).

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