¹⁵ The rich man’s wealth is his only strength. The poor man’s poverty is his only^[a] curse.

^20-21 Even his own neighbors despise the poor man, while the rich have many “friends.” But to despise the poor is to sin. Blessed are those who help them.

²³ The poor man pleads, and the rich man answers with insults.

19 Better to be poor and honest than rich^[a] and dishonest.

⁴ A wealthy man has many “friends”; the poor man has none left.

⁷ A poor man’s own brothers turn away from him in embarrassment;^[a] how much more his friends! He calls after them, but they are gone.

¹⁷ When you help the poor you are lending to the Lord—and he pays wonderful interest on your loan!

²² Kindness makes a man attractive. And it is better to be poor than dishonest.

¹³ He who shuts his ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in his own time of need.

² The rich and the poor are alike before the Lord who made them all.