משלי, פרק י״ד, פסוק כ׳

Human society often contradicts the very rules of friendship it claims to uphold. While people naturally tend to bond with those who are similar to them, social gaps create a sad reality where wealth and status dictate who is loved and who is pushed away.

The depth of this tragedy is profound [רש"י, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. A poor person faces rejection not only from strangers but even from close friends and childhood companions. These friends pull away out of fear that they will be burdened with constantly having to provide support [עמנואל הרומי, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Furthermore, even though bonds usually form between equals, a destitute person suffers coldness and alienation even from fellow poor friends [אלשיך, מצודת דוד, מלבי"ם]. On the other hand, a wealthy individual easily gathers a large crowd of companions. People of all backgrounds—whether rich or poor, close or distant—flock to the wealthy person in the hope of gaining some benefit and enjoying the advantages of being near them [עמנואל הרומי, אלשיך, מצודת דוד].

However, this social reality is a moral failure rather than an ideal to strive for. Hating someone simply because they lack money goes completely against the ways of wisdom, which demand compassion for the downtrodden and an appreciation for humility. Anyone who looks down on a poor friend is committing a sin [מלבי"ם, אבן עזרא].

Beyond material wealth, these concepts also apply to spiritual and intellectual life. Poverty can describe a lack of wisdom, good deeds, or proper character. An ignorant person who behaves poorly will naturally cause others to distance themselves [רש"י, רלב"ג, אמרי דעת]. Conversely, true wealth can mean an abundance of wisdom, a generous heart, or a deep sense of satisfaction with what one has. A person with these qualities attracts many friends who are drawn to their good character and eager to learn from their wisdom [רלב"ג, אמרי דעת].

Taking this idea inward, the contrast between rich and poor also mirrors a psychological and philosophical struggle within the human mind. The poor person symbolizes pure intellect, which seeks wisdom and avoids physical cravings. Because it rejects physical pleasure, the intellect is opposed and alienated by the body's physical drives. The rich person, in contrast, represents physical desire. This desire has many followers because the body's natural forces eagerly and instinctively follow its lead [עמנואל הרומי].