23 The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly. 24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:23–24
Semantically similar passages
Proverbs 14:19–21
19 The evil bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. 20 The poor man is hated even by his neighbor, but many are those who love the rich. 21 He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who shows kindness to the poor.
Proverbs 19:3–5
3 A man’s own folly subverts his way, yet his heart rages against the LORD. 4 Wealth attracts many friends, but a poor man is deserted by his friend. 5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape.
Sirach 13:20–22
20 Lowliness is an abomination to a proud man; likewise a poor man is an abomination to the rich. (WEB) 21 When a rich man is shaken, he is supported by his friends, but when the humble is down, he is pushed away even by his friends. (WEB) 22 When a rich man falls, there are many h… (WEB)
Sirach 37:3–5
3 O wicked imagination, why were you formed to cover the dry land with deceit? (WEB) 4 There is a companion who rejoices in the gladness of a friend, but in time of affliction will be against him. (WEB) 5 There is a companion who for the belly’s sake labors with his friend, yet… (WEB)
Proverbs 22:6–8
6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. 7 The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender. 8 He who sows injustice will reap disaster, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.
Proverbs 22:15–17
15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him. 16 Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself or giving gifts to the rich will surely lead to poverty. 17 Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise— apply your mind to…
Sirach 12:8–10
8 A man’s friend won’t be fully tried in prosperity. His enemy won’t be hidden in adversity. (WEB) 9 In a man’s prosperity, his enemies are grieved. In his adversity, even his friend leaves. (WEB) 10 Never trust your enemy, for his wickedness is like corrosion in copper. (WEB)
Proverbs 10:14–16
14 The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool invites destruction. 15 The wealth of the rich man is his fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor. 16 The labor of the righteous leads to life, but the gain of the wicked brings punishment.
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