Song of Solomon 4

Song of Solomon 4:1

The Spirit of a Man or a Broken Spirit

He who has spirit, i.e. spiritual strength, who is healthy in his thinking, and can focus his thoughts on God, has peace in his heart and can endure his sickness. One can be physically disabled, but bear that well if there is “spirit” that can find rest in the way God is going. But if someone has “a broken spirit”, the burden of that way is often difficult to bear. In doing so, no one can sense exactly what is going on in such a person’s spirit.

Depression is a severe trial. In physical illness you can fall back on the will to live, but in depression the will to live is sometimes gone. Few things in the human experience are as difficult to deal with as depression. We see this in the suffering that came upon Job. Following on from the previous verse, we can say that here we must first and foremost learn to listen before we can even begin to formulate an answer to the question: “Who can bear it?”

Song of Solomon 4:2

To Acquire and Seek Knowledge

The “knowledge” that “the mind of the prudent acquires” is knowledge concerning God and His judgment of all things. “The mind” refers to the mindset, the desire. It is also the storehouse of acquired knowledge. This is paramount. “The ear” is the means by which knowledge enters the mind. “The ear of the wise seeks knowledge” indicates effort, the eager seeking of knowledge. Knowledge must be sought, it does not come to you by chance.

“The ear of the wise” listens to teaching and thus takes in knowledge. The mind of the prudent discerns what the ear must hear to acquire knowledge. It is instructive to see that the wise in the book of Proverbs constantly seek knowledge. Those who are wise will always see themselves as learners and act accordingly. Those who know much are most aware of their ignorance. The ear seeks knowledge, the mind stores knowledge.

Prudent is he who can distinguish between good and evil. Wise is he who has learned to fear God. The one will lead to the other. The desire to truly know the difference between good and evil will lead us to God and work in us a holy reverence for Him.

Song of Solomon 4:3

What a Gift Can Do

The gift (mathan) referred to here is not the same as a bribe gift (shokhad). The word used here, mathan, is more general than the word shokhad (Proverbs 17:8; 23), which has more of a negative meaning. It is generally true that a gift gives room for or opens a way to and gives entrance to “great people”. At the same time, we should not close our eyes to the danger that lies in offering a gift, that a gift nevertheless functions as a bribe. To that danger both the giver and the receiver must be mindful.

The proverb itself simply says that a gift can make someone lenient (Genesis 32:20; Genesis 43:11; 1 Samuel 25:27). The gift is not given to flatter someone, but as a proof of due respect because of the place someone holds. It is about someone of distinction. He who approaches that person in this way is more likely to get in touch with him, for whatever cause, than someone who brutally asks for a conversation.

Song of Solomon 4:4

A Case, Strife and Contentions

The first line of Pro 18:17 confirms the general experience that he who is allowed to be the first to explain his lawsuit seems to be right. But before we declare him “righteous”, his neighbor must be heard and allowed to give his view of the dispute. This proverb reminds us that there are two parties in a dispute – about something professional, domestic or religious, for example – and that both parties to a dispute must be heard.

This is another warning against premature judgment (Proverbs 18:13). First, all the facts must be known. We can only find that out by hearing both sides. There must be a hearing. Only when both sides have been heard can righteous judgment follow (Deuteronomy 1:16). Each must be able to present the case from his point of view.

The first may tell his story very convincingly, but when the second tells his story, it may turn out that the matter is nevertheless more nuanced than we thought after the first speaker. That should be the attitude in all cases where there is a difference of opinion. This could be, for example, in a family between children, between spouses and between brothers and sisters of a local church.

Proverbs 18:18 could involve a case where both parties of Pro 18:17 have spoken, but where there has been no clarity as to who is right. It is a dispute “between the mighty ones”, people who hold important positions. They can both defend their lawsuit with fervor. That leaves the lot to separate between these mighty ones in the sense of resolving the dispute, with one being in the right.

If both parties acknowledge that God through the lot brings the dispute to an end (Proverbs 16:33) and accept the outcome, the dispute is out of the world. That is better than when it comes to a power struggle, of which others are always the victims. Today we have God’s Word and God’s Spirit and spiritually minded believers who can make a judgment in a court of law (1 Corinthians 6:1-8).

However, there are also disputes where even the lot has no chance to provide a solution. This is in the case where a brother has been “offended” (Proverbs 18:19). That injustice was done to the brother during an argument. Then he was treated in a way that hurt him so deeply that he withdrew and closed himself off from all contact.

He “[is harder to be won] than a strong city”, meaning that a strong city is easier to capture than to approach him to undo the injustice. The city in which he has enclosed himself is a fortress. The contentions underlying the injustice “are like the bars of a citadel”. That means he has barricaded the entrance to his heart.

This proverb is an observation without comment. For us, it is an exhortation not to offend a brother, which would cause him to fall into such a state of mind. If a brother, or a sister, does fall into such a state of mind, then it should not remain a mere observation. Love will do everything possible to win and restore the offended brother in his relationship with the Lord and with his fellow brothers and sisters.

Song of Solomon 4:5

A Case, Strife and Contentions

The first line of Pro 18:17 confirms the general experience that he who is allowed to be the first to explain his lawsuit seems to be right. But before we declare him “righteous”, his neighbor must be heard and allowed to give his view of the dispute. This proverb reminds us that there are two parties in a dispute – about something professional, domestic or religious, for example – and that both parties to a dispute must be heard.

This is another warning against premature judgment (Proverbs 18:13). First, all the facts must be known. We can only find that out by hearing both sides. There must be a hearing. Only when both sides have been heard can righteous judgment follow (Deuteronomy 1:16). Each must be able to present the case from his point of view.

The first may tell his story very convincingly, but when the second tells his story, it may turn out that the matter is nevertheless more nuanced than we thought after the first speaker. That should be the attitude in all cases where there is a difference of opinion. This could be, for example, in a family between children, between spouses and between brothers and sisters of a local church.

Proverbs 18:18 could involve a case where both parties of Pro 18:17 have spoken, but where there has been no clarity as to who is right. It is a dispute “between the mighty ones”, people who hold important positions. They can both defend their lawsuit with fervor. That leaves the lot to separate between these mighty ones in the sense of resolving the dispute, with one being in the right.

If both parties acknowledge that God through the lot brings the dispute to an end (Proverbs 16:33) and accept the outcome, the dispute is out of the world. That is better than when it comes to a power struggle, of which others are always the victims. Today we have God’s Word and God’s Spirit and spiritually minded believers who can make a judgment in a court of law (1 Corinthians 6:1-8).

However, there are also disputes where even the lot has no chance to provide a solution. This is in the case where a brother has been “offended” (Proverbs 18:19). That injustice was done to the brother during an argument. Then he was treated in a way that hurt him so deeply that he withdrew and closed himself off from all contact.

He “[is harder to be won] than a strong city”, meaning that a strong city is easier to capture than to approach him to undo the injustice. The city in which he has enclosed himself is a fortress. The contentions underlying the injustice “are like the bars of a citadel”. That means he has barricaded the entrance to his heart.

This proverb is an observation without comment. For us, it is an exhortation not to offend a brother, which would cause him to fall into such a state of mind. If a brother, or a sister, does fall into such a state of mind, then it should not remain a mere observation. Love will do everything possible to win and restore the offended brother in his relationship with the Lord and with his fellow brothers and sisters.

Song of Solomon 4:6

A Case, Strife and Contentions

The first line of Pro 18:17 confirms the general experience that he who is allowed to be the first to explain his lawsuit seems to be right. But before we declare him “righteous”, his neighbor must be heard and allowed to give his view of the dispute. This proverb reminds us that there are two parties in a dispute – about something professional, domestic or religious, for example – and that both parties to a dispute must be heard.

This is another warning against premature judgment (Proverbs 18:13). First, all the facts must be known. We can only find that out by hearing both sides. There must be a hearing. Only when both sides have been heard can righteous judgment follow (Deuteronomy 1:16). Each must be able to present the case from his point of view.

The first may tell his story very convincingly, but when the second tells his story, it may turn out that the matter is nevertheless more nuanced than we thought after the first speaker. That should be the attitude in all cases where there is a difference of opinion. This could be, for example, in a family between children, between spouses and between brothers and sisters of a local church.

Proverbs 18:18 could involve a case where both parties of Pro 18:17 have spoken, but where there has been no clarity as to who is right. It is a dispute “between the mighty ones”, people who hold important positions. They can both defend their lawsuit with fervor. That leaves the lot to separate between these mighty ones in the sense of resolving the dispute, with one being in the right.

If both parties acknowledge that God through the lot brings the dispute to an end (Proverbs 16:33) and accept the outcome, the dispute is out of the world. That is better than when it comes to a power struggle, of which others are always the victims. Today we have God’s Word and God’s Spirit and spiritually minded believers who can make a judgment in a court of law (1 Corinthians 6:1-8).

However, there are also disputes where even the lot has no chance to provide a solution. This is in the case where a brother has been “offended” (Proverbs 18:19). That injustice was done to the brother during an argument. Then he was treated in a way that hurt him so deeply that he withdrew and closed himself off from all contact.

He “[is harder to be won] than a strong city”, meaning that a strong city is easier to capture than to approach him to undo the injustice. The city in which he has enclosed himself is a fortress. The contentions underlying the injustice “are like the bars of a citadel”. That means he has barricaded the entrance to his heart.

This proverb is an observation without comment. For us, it is an exhortation not to offend a brother, which would cause him to fall into such a state of mind. If a brother, or a sister, does fall into such a state of mind, then it should not remain a mere observation. Love will do everything possible to win and restore the offended brother in his relationship with the Lord and with his fellow brothers and sisters.

Song of Solomon 4:7

The Fruit of Our Words

The good, edifying words we speak with our “mouth” and our “lips” give inner (“his stomach”) satisfaction (Proverbs 18:20). They are like seeds of good fruit that produce a satisfying yield or harvest. This saying is an incentive to take as much care of the words we speak as we do of the fruit of the trees we eat from. If we eat healthy fruit, we will remain healthy; if we eat unhealthy fruit, we will become sick. If our words are careful, God-fearing and good, “in grace … seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6), to serve others with them, it will satiate ourselves. It gives satisfaction and a good conscience.

“His stomach” we can also apply to the conscience. To satiate the stomach, that is, to keep a good conscience, we must pay attention to what we say. Apart from immediate satiation, there is also a later yield or harvest. Also, when we see the “yield” of our wise, prudent, God-fearing words, that is, what effect they have, it gives deep satisfaction. They can be words we speak when we give advice, but also answers to questions we are asked.

Proverbs 18:21 again clearly suggests what the effect of our words can be. What kind of words are we sowing: for death or for life? That question is especially important for “those who love it”, that is, those who love “the tongue”. This is a wrong love, namely one who enjoys talking. He will eat the fruit of what he says. What he says will return to him. The fool sows words that bring death and destruction; the wise sows words that bring life. False teachers sow words with a seed of death and destruction; the ambassadors for Christ proclaim life.

Song of Solomon 4:8

The Fruit of Our Words

The good, edifying words we speak with our “mouth” and our “lips” give inner (“his stomach”) satisfaction (Proverbs 18:20). They are like seeds of good fruit that produce a satisfying yield or harvest. This saying is an incentive to take as much care of the words we speak as we do of the fruit of the trees we eat from. If we eat healthy fruit, we will remain healthy; if we eat unhealthy fruit, we will become sick. If our words are careful, God-fearing and good, “in grace … seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6), to serve others with them, it will satiate ourselves. It gives satisfaction and a good conscience.

“His stomach” we can also apply to the conscience. To satiate the stomach, that is, to keep a good conscience, we must pay attention to what we say. Apart from immediate satiation, there is also a later yield or harvest. Also, when we see the “yield” of our wise, prudent, God-fearing words, that is, what effect they have, it gives deep satisfaction. They can be words we speak when we give advice, but also answers to questions we are asked.

Proverbs 18:21 again clearly suggests what the effect of our words can be. What kind of words are we sowing: for death or for life? That question is especially important for “those who love it”, that is, those who love “the tongue”. This is a wrong love, namely one who enjoys talking. He will eat the fruit of what he says. What he says will return to him. The fool sows words that bring death and destruction; the wise sows words that bring life. False teachers sow words with a seed of death and destruction; the ambassadors for Christ proclaim life.

Song of Solomon 4:9

A Wife as a Proof of God’s Favor

He who seeks a wife that suits him will ask God to give her to him. He alone knows which wife matches which man. If he finds her under His guidance, he has found “a good thing”, that is, something that benefits him, making his life richer. The word “good” describes that it is something pleasing to God, beneficial to life and giving abundant joy.

Whoever finds this good thing in the wife he finds has obtained “favor from the LORD”. It will fill him with gratitude that God is so good to him. God has said: “It is not good for the man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). He has provided for this by giving this good thing.

Song of Solomon 4:10

Supplications and Rough Answers

The social conditions in which a person finds himself and the position he has in it have an effect on a person’s character. Poverty works a humble spirit that leads “a poor man” to beg for a favor. Having no other choice, he must speak with “supplications” to get something. “But the rich man answers roughly”, with harsh reproaches and rejection. He has never been in such a position of poverty and cannot imagine the feelings of a poor man.

The poor begs, the rich snarls at him. This is how it often happens. The rich man cannot have any sympathy for the poor man. Wealth often leads to being insensitive to the need of a poor man, who is roughly shaken off by the rich man when he makes his need known (cf. 1 Samuel 25:17; James 2:6; Matthew 18:23-35).

The Lord Jesus gives us the good example. He listens to the supplications of the poor man and answers not roughly, but with love and compassion.

Song of Solomon 4:11

The Difference Between Friends and a Friend

It is better to have one good, faithful friend than numerous unreliable friends. Apart from the friends, it also says something about the man who has many friends. He seems to be an ‘everyman’s friend’. This is not a positive trait, but a negative one. Someone who can be friends with everyone often has no opinion of his own. He set his sail to every wind because he wants to be friends with everyone. Chances are he will fare badly. When things go badly for him, they all drop him. They are ‘swallow friends’, they come when things are going well for you and leave when things are going badly for you.

Therefore, we should choose our friends with care and invest in them. It is not quantity that matters, but quality. A true friend is someone who is always there for you. Sometimes you have more help from him than from your own brother. David was treated with contempt by his brothers, but with loyalty by his friend Jonathan, even when he was persecuted and in trouble. Faithful friendship is more than affection, it is commitment through thick and thin.

Song of Solomon 4:13

The Poor and the Fool

The contrast in Proverbs 19:1 is that between “a poor man … in his integrity” and “he who is perverse in speech and is a fool”. Because of the contrast with the poor man, we can think of the fool as someone who is rich. The poor is not under the punishment of God because he is poor and the rich is not under the blessing of God because he is rich. Here the appearance is misleading. Wealth itself is not condemned. What matters is where we got it and what we do with it.

The contrast is about inner worth and outer appearance. He who seems to have everything is the fool, while he who seems to have everything against him walks in his integrity and is therefore better off than the rich fool. Personal integrity, even with poverty, is far better than foolish wrongness.

It all depends on one’s relationship with God. The poor person who goes his way in integrity can go that way because he goes his way with God. Therefore, in reality, he is rich. He who is perverse in speech speaks things that show that he has no relationship with God. Added to this is the fact that he is a fool, which means that he also does not want a relationship with God at all. The path he takes without God ends in death.

The word “also” with which Proverbs 19:2 begins indicates that Proverbs 19:2 is connected to Proverbs 19:1. A person who is diligent “without knowledge” is the fool of Pro 19:1. Unwise and thoughtless action leads to failure. It manifests itself in one “who hurries his footsteps”, one who hastily sets out on a path to fulfill a desire. It characterizes the man who wants quick results and as much profit as possible. People who spontaneously go off on something take the wrong path and miss the mark (the word “sin” literally means “to miss the goal”). Saul was such a person (1 Samuel 13:11-14). There can even be diligence for God, yet without understanding (Romans 10:1-4).

This proverb reminds us that we must know the time and direction for action, otherwise diligent effort will be a futile and even wrong activity. Someone “without knowledge” places his feet on a way of sin. Diligence is good if it is for the good (Galatians 4:18), but it requires the knowledge of God and His will. Therefore, our diligence will have to come from fellowship with God through which we know His will. Then we will go our way in peace and at the same time with diligence. As a result, the goal will not be missed, but achieved and God will be glorified.

Being without knowledge or understanding is something that characterizes especially young people who do not engage with God’s Word. They therefore lack the necessary discernment to know the value of that to which they indulge. It is only through the study of God’s Word that they – and, of course, older people as well – gain that discernment. There is no excuse for being without knowledge. We have the entire Word of God at our disposal. It is the only reliable, unchanging source of knowledge and accessible to all who want to learn.

A fool, who is without knowledge (Proverbs 19:2), twists his own way making his life a ruin (Proverbs 19:3). And then he blames God for that too. Through his own foolishness he has twisted his way, he has given it a twist that has caused him to walk in the wrong direction. It is a path away from God. For the misery he encounters on that way, he holds God responsible. He is even furious with Him for allowing that to happen to him.

This attitude has characterized man since the Fall. When Adam twisted his way and sinned, he blamed God. It was because of the wife God had given him that things had gone wrong (Genesis 3:12). We hear and see this today in all kinds of variations in all those situations where people do not want to be held accountable. Always it is someone else’s fault.

Man does not want to give God control over his life. When he makes good decisions that turn out well, he praises himself. If he makes bad decisions with a bad outcome, God is blamed (cf. Ezekiel 18:25). There is no putting his own house in order. God is not thanked that in His goodness He gives sunshine and rain and fruitful times (Matthew 5:45; Acts 14:17). But when He brings terrible plagues upon the world that man has brought upon himself, men blaspheme the God of heaven without repenting of their evil works (Revelation 16:9-11; 21).

Song of Solomon 4:14

The Poor and the Fool

The contrast in Proverbs 19:1 is that between “a poor man … in his integrity” and “he who is perverse in speech and is a fool”. Because of the contrast with the poor man, we can think of the fool as someone who is rich. The poor is not under the punishment of God because he is poor and the rich is not under the blessing of God because he is rich. Here the appearance is misleading. Wealth itself is not condemned. What matters is where we got it and what we do with it.

The contrast is about inner worth and outer appearance. He who seems to have everything is the fool, while he who seems to have everything against him walks in his integrity and is therefore better off than the rich fool. Personal integrity, even with poverty, is far better than foolish wrongness.

It all depends on one’s relationship with God. The poor person who goes his way in integrity can go that way because he goes his way with God. Therefore, in reality, he is rich. He who is perverse in speech speaks things that show that he has no relationship with God. Added to this is the fact that he is a fool, which means that he also does not want a relationship with God at all. The path he takes without God ends in death.

The word “also” with which Proverbs 19:2 begins indicates that Proverbs 19:2 is connected to Proverbs 19:1. A person who is diligent “without knowledge” is the fool of Pro 19:1. Unwise and thoughtless action leads to failure. It manifests itself in one “who hurries his footsteps”, one who hastily sets out on a path to fulfill a desire. It characterizes the man who wants quick results and as much profit as possible. People who spontaneously go off on something take the wrong path and miss the mark (the word “sin” literally means “to miss the goal”). Saul was such a person (1 Samuel 13:11-14). There can even be diligence for God, yet without understanding (Romans 10:1-4).

This proverb reminds us that we must know the time and direction for action, otherwise diligent effort will be a futile and even wrong activity. Someone “without knowledge” places his feet on a way of sin. Diligence is good if it is for the good (Galatians 4:18), but it requires the knowledge of God and His will. Therefore, our diligence will have to come from fellowship with God through which we know His will. Then we will go our way in peace and at the same time with diligence. As a result, the goal will not be missed, but achieved and God will be glorified.

Being without knowledge or understanding is something that characterizes especially young people who do not engage with God’s Word. They therefore lack the necessary discernment to know the value of that to which they indulge. It is only through the study of God’s Word that they – and, of course, older people as well – gain that discernment. There is no excuse for being without knowledge. We have the entire Word of God at our disposal. It is the only reliable, unchanging source of knowledge and accessible to all who want to learn.

A fool, who is without knowledge (Proverbs 19:2), twists his own way making his life a ruin (Proverbs 19:3). And then he blames God for that too. Through his own foolishness he has twisted his way, he has given it a twist that has caused him to walk in the wrong direction. It is a path away from God. For the misery he encounters on that way, he holds God responsible. He is even furious with Him for allowing that to happen to him.

This attitude has characterized man since the Fall. When Adam twisted his way and sinned, he blamed God. It was because of the wife God had given him that things had gone wrong (Genesis 3:12). We hear and see this today in all kinds of variations in all those situations where people do not want to be held accountable. Always it is someone else’s fault.

Man does not want to give God control over his life. When he makes good decisions that turn out well, he praises himself. If he makes bad decisions with a bad outcome, God is blamed (cf. Ezekiel 18:25). There is no putting his own house in order. God is not thanked that in His goodness He gives sunshine and rain and fruitful times (Matthew 5:45; Acts 14:17). But when He brings terrible plagues upon the world that man has brought upon himself, men blaspheme the God of heaven without repenting of their evil works (Revelation 16:9-11; 21).

Song of Solomon 4:15

The Poor and the Fool

The contrast in Proverbs 19:1 is that between “a poor man … in his integrity” and “he who is perverse in speech and is a fool”. Because of the contrast with the poor man, we can think of the fool as someone who is rich. The poor is not under the punishment of God because he is poor and the rich is not under the blessing of God because he is rich. Here the appearance is misleading. Wealth itself is not condemned. What matters is where we got it and what we do with it.

The contrast is about inner worth and outer appearance. He who seems to have everything is the fool, while he who seems to have everything against him walks in his integrity and is therefore better off than the rich fool. Personal integrity, even with poverty, is far better than foolish wrongness.

It all depends on one’s relationship with God. The poor person who goes his way in integrity can go that way because he goes his way with God. Therefore, in reality, he is rich. He who is perverse in speech speaks things that show that he has no relationship with God. Added to this is the fact that he is a fool, which means that he also does not want a relationship with God at all. The path he takes without God ends in death.

The word “also” with which Proverbs 19:2 begins indicates that Proverbs 19:2 is connected to Proverbs 19:1. A person who is diligent “without knowledge” is the fool of Pro 19:1. Unwise and thoughtless action leads to failure. It manifests itself in one “who hurries his footsteps”, one who hastily sets out on a path to fulfill a desire. It characterizes the man who wants quick results and as much profit as possible. People who spontaneously go off on something take the wrong path and miss the mark (the word “sin” literally means “to miss the goal”). Saul was such a person (1 Samuel 13:11-14). There can even be diligence for God, yet without understanding (Romans 10:1-4).

This proverb reminds us that we must know the time and direction for action, otherwise diligent effort will be a futile and even wrong activity. Someone “without knowledge” places his feet on a way of sin. Diligence is good if it is for the good (Galatians 4:18), but it requires the knowledge of God and His will. Therefore, our diligence will have to come from fellowship with God through which we know His will. Then we will go our way in peace and at the same time with diligence. As a result, the goal will not be missed, but achieved and God will be glorified.

Being without knowledge or understanding is something that characterizes especially young people who do not engage with God’s Word. They therefore lack the necessary discernment to know the value of that to which they indulge. It is only through the study of God’s Word that they – and, of course, older people as well – gain that discernment. There is no excuse for being without knowledge. We have the entire Word of God at our disposal. It is the only reliable, unchanging source of knowledge and accessible to all who want to learn.

A fool, who is without knowledge (Proverbs 19:2), twists his own way making his life a ruin (Proverbs 19:3). And then he blames God for that too. Through his own foolishness he has twisted his way, he has given it a twist that has caused him to walk in the wrong direction. It is a path away from God. For the misery he encounters on that way, he holds God responsible. He is even furious with Him for allowing that to happen to him.

This attitude has characterized man since the Fall. When Adam twisted his way and sinned, he blamed God. It was because of the wife God had given him that things had gone wrong (Genesis 3:12). We hear and see this today in all kinds of variations in all those situations where people do not want to be held accountable. Always it is someone else’s fault.

Man does not want to give God control over his life. When he makes good decisions that turn out well, he praises himself. If he makes bad decisions with a bad outcome, God is blamed (cf. Ezekiel 18:25). There is no putting his own house in order. God is not thanked that in His goodness He gives sunshine and rain and fruitful times (Matthew 5:45; Acts 14:17). But when He brings terrible plagues upon the world that man has brought upon himself, men blaspheme the God of heaven without repenting of their evil works (Revelation 16:9-11; 21).

Song of Solomon 4:16

Wealth and Friends

This verse is again an observation without drawing a conclusion. That conclusion is left to the reader. It is about the unreliability of a friendship based on possession. Like love, friendship does not deserve that designation if it is only about the possible benefit that love or friendship can bring. If we love money ourselves, it reaps nothing in others but love for the money we have. People run after the rich hoping to get something.

But when the rich person has become poor, his friends disappear. They abandon him, because there is nothing more to get from him. A separation even takes place, because imagine if the poor were to ask something of you. It is better, therefore, to keep a wide distance from him. But the poor person who knows the Lord Jesus may know that he can never and will never be separated from Him (Romans 8:38-39; cf. Psalms 40:17a).