The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going. A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident. He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated. The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.
The poor in spirit is the object of the rich man's hatred, if the one be a possessor of grace in his poverty, and the other not. But, what rich are here spoken of? Perhaps the rich of this world. Yes; such have many friends, at least, many who profess to be so; but not many promises. Go to now, ye rich men (saith Jesus) weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. James 5:1. But if Solomon means by the rich having many friends, the rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom, they have indeed multitudes of friends. God is their Father and friend; Jesus is their friend that loveth at all times: the Holy Ghost is their friend. Angels, and all the church of the first-born in heaven are their friends; and all the redeemed below. Precious thought to the exercised followers of the sinner's friend!