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Proverbs 19:12
The king's wrathis as the roaring of a lion; but his favouris as dew upon the grass.

Proverbs 16:15
In the light of the king's countenanceis life; and his favouris as a cloud of the latter rain.

Proverbs 29:26
Many seek the ruler's favour; butevery man's judgmentcometh from the LORD.

and

Proverbs 17:8
A giftis as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.

Proverbs 18:16
A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

Proverbs 21:14
A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.

and everyone is a friend of the gift giver
In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, gift-giving was a common way to build alliances and secure loyalty. Gifts could be used to curry favor or demonstrate goodwill. This practice is evident in the story of Jacob sending gifts to Esau to appease him (Genesis 32:13-21). The proverb highlights the superficial nature of such friendships, which are often based on material gain rather than genuine affection or loyalty. This is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus warns against seeking earthly rewards and encourages storing up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). The concept of gift-giving also points to the ultimate gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, who gave Himself freely for humanity (Ephesians 2:8-9).

“Many seek the favor…” (Proverbs 19:6a)

• Notice the word “many.” It exposes a common, almost universal, impulse: people gravitate toward those who appear powerful or influential.Proverbs 14:20 observes, “The poor man is hated even by his neighbor, but many are those who love the rich,” echoing the same social reality.

• This verse is not cynical; it is descriptive. Scripture simply lays bare the heart’s tendency to pursue advantage. CompareJames 2:1-4, where believers are warned against showing partiality to the well-dressed, revealing that this dynamic transcends cultures and eras.

• By recording it here, God is giving a gentle caution: don’t be surprised when popularity gathers around authority; and don’t let that popularity be your own motive (Psalm 146:3).

“…of the prince…” (Proverbs 19:6a)

• A “prince” represents any figure with authority or resources—government official, employer, influential leader.Proverbs 29:26 ties in: “Many seek the ruler’s favor, but justice comes from the LORD.” The ultimate source of help, then, is not earthly rank but divine righteousness.

• Scripture never forbids respectful interaction with authority (Romans 13:1), yet it warns against trusting princes instead of God (Psalm 118:9). This clause therefore highlights where people often misplace their confidence.

“…and everyone is a friend…” (Proverbs 19:6b)

• The statement is proverbial hyperbole to reveal human behavior: “everyone” puts on friendliness when benefits are in view.Proverbs 19:4 backs it up: “Wealth attracts many friends, but a poor man is deserted by his friend.”

• Jesus experienced this phenomenon; during His miracles the crowds pressed in (John 6:2), yet when the cost of discipleship surfaced, “many of His disciples turned back” (John 6:66). Affection linked to advantage proves fragile.

“…of the gift giver.” (Proverbs 19:6b)

• Gifts open doors (Proverbs 18:16) and can build goodwill, yet here the Spirit exposes the hidden motive: people befriend the generous because they anticipate personal gain.

•Luke 16:9 pictures worldly people using wealth to secure earthly friendships, whileActs 8:18-20 shows Simon the sorcerer wanting to purchase spiritual power—proof that the pull of “gifts” reaches into religious settings too.

• The warning is twofold:

– If you possess resources, don’t mistake flattery for genuine loyalty.

– If you are drawn to benefactors, examine whether love or self-interest guides your heart.

Proverbs 19:6 paints an honest portrait of human nature: crowds gather around power and generosity, hoping to profit. The verse does not commend this behavior; it reveals it, steering us away from shallow motives and toward trust in the Lord, who alone offers faithful friendship and lasting favor.