Proverbs 19:6

6 Many curry favor with a ruler, and everyone is the friend of one who gives gifts.

Proverbs 19:6 in Other Translations

KJV
6 Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.
ESV
6 Many seek the favor of a generous man, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.
NLT
6 Many seek favors from a ruler; everyone is the friend of a person who gives gifts!
MSG
6 Lots of people flock around a generous person; everyone's a friend to the philanthropist.
CSB
6 Many seek the favor of a ruler, and everyone is a friend of one who gives gifts.

Proverbs 19:6 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 19:6

Many will entreat the favour of the prince
Or of the liberal and bountiful man; as kings and princes generally are, ( Luke 22:25 ) ; such have many to wait upon them, and are humble petitioners to them. Aben Ezra and Gersom interpret the many of great and honourable men, who are courtiers to kings and princes; who wait upon them, ask favours of them, and seek for places under them. The Targum is,

``there are many that minister before a prince;''
he has many servants, and some of them nobles; and every man [is] a friend to him that giveth gifts;
or "to a man of gift" F11: who has it in his power to give, and has a heart to it; who is both a rich man and a liberal man; who is both able and willing to communicate to the necessities of others: such a man not only has the poor his friends, but others will speak well of him, and will make application to him on account of the poor; and, for the sake of doing good to them, will court his friendship and acquaintance. Bayne interprets this "man of gift" of Christ, who ascended on high, and received gifts for men, and gives them to men.
FOOTNOTES:

F11 (Ntm vyal) "viro doni", Montanus, Vatablus, Michaelis.

Proverbs 19:6 In-Context

4 Wealth attracts many friends, but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them.
5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free.
6 Many curry favor with a ruler, and everyone is the friend of one who gives gifts.
7 The poor are shunned by all their relatives— how much more do their friends avoid them! Though the poor pursue them with pleading, they are nowhere to be found.
8 The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.

Cross References 2

  • 1. Proverbs 29:26
  • 2. S Proverbs 17:8; S Proverbs 18:16
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