Charles Ellicott Commentary Proverbs 19:4

"Wealth addeth many friends; But the poor is separated from his friend." — Proverbs 19:4 (ASV)

The poor is separated from his neighbour.— Or, but the feeble, his friend separates himself (from him). It was precisely to counteract these selfish instincts of mankind that the merciful provisions of passages such as Deuteronomy 15:7 and following, and Luke 14:13, were laid upon God’s people.