Proverbs 19:7 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

He pursueth them with words— Most interpretations of this verse seem forced and unnatural; I think Le Clerc's the best, says Dr. Grey, which applies the phrase to pursue with words, to him that seeks after those friends who fly from him, and were only nominal friends. Thus, Hosea 12:1 to pursue or follow after the east wind, is to grasp at vanities or bubbles; or at least the meaning is, that a poor man who is destitute of friends hath nothing left but mere words or professions. But it appears plainly from the LXX that this verse does not belong to the two former: for they read, "Every one that hateth a poor brother is far from friendship: a good understanding approaches those who know it; but a prudent man shall find it. He that doeth much evil perfecteth wickedness; but he that contendeth words, [λογους, perhaps; λογοις, with words] shall not be safe." One whole period, and the first part of another seem to be lost in the Hebrew, part of the last line of the LXX seems to be a translation of the Hebrew, which we render, He pursueth him with words. See Grey, p. 192. Houbigant renders this verse, All his own brethren hate a poor man; how much more his neighbour? They have departed from him; he followeth after them, but they are not found. Schultens renders the last words of the verse, which are, or signify nothing.