This saying comments on the practice of society and the effect of wealth or money on social relations.

“Wealth brings many new friends”: This line is similar to 14.20b. “Wealth” or “riches” may not serve as the subject of the action in some languages. Therefore, it may be necessary to say, for example, “When a person is rich he gets many new friends” or “Rich people are always getting new friends.” “New” is supplied by Revised Standard Version because these people become friends due to their desire to share his wealth. In some languages the word “friend” or “companion” is not adequate in this context and it is necessary to say, for example, “many new followers,” “many hangers-on,” or “many associates.”

“But a poor man is deserted by his friend”: “Deserted by” renders a verb meaning “separates himself from.” This line may also be translated “The poor person is separated from his friend.” Either way the sense is that the poor person loses his friend (same word as in line 1) and the rich get lots of friends.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Proverbs. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .