Proverbs 19:6 Commentary and Bible Study

This proverb is very similar to verse 4 and is again looking at the subject of false friendship, but considers that friendship which is sought for the sake of power and influence more than for riches and wealth. As king of Israel, Solomon knew what it was to be pursued by many who were not genuine. They had no love for him personally, and there was much falsehood and feigned affection shown towards him in order to get from him what they wanted. He saw through those who came with overflowing compliments and exaggerated praise, but who were only trying to win his favour because they knew that power resided in his hands. They came with very specific intentions though often they tried to hide this. They were calculating individuals who knew that they must conceal their true intention because if they were discovered, the ugliness of their characters would disqualify them for any favour. For them it was worth putting on a convincing show of respect and loyalty because it was a small price to pay for what they would get from the prince. To be his favourite they had to feign strong allegiance, but maybe behind his back they were already making plans for the time he was removed from power.Will the king be taken in by such feigned affection? Will he see through it and discern who is a phoney and who is truly loyal? David learnt who his true friends were when times of trial came and people were forced to make a choice. When he had to flee from Absalom, there were those who abandoned him because they saw a greater advantage for themselves in following a new king, but others remained loyal even though they would have to suffer exile with him. The removal of his power meant that those who only followed him for what they could get had no further reason to feign loyalty and they openly abandoned him. But Solomon who did not suffer such reversals of fortune had to discern in favourable times who were his true friends. He judged this by whether they valued his gifts above his person, by whether their first loyalty was to the truth and then to Solomon as their liege lord, by whether they used flattery or spoke sincerely, by whether they sought the good of his soul above his short-term earthly good, by whether they would continue to honour him when he withheld his gifts.In the kingdom of God all friendships are founded upon mutual love for the Lord. Since this foundation must never be removed, believers are only able to have fellowship because they are agreed about righteousness. The gifts we receive from the Lord are given by his grace, but the spirit of the believer loves the Giver above his gifts, and is repulsed by an attitude that loves God only for what we get from him. All his gifts are good and none of them can be detached from his person; we cannot have his gifts without also having the Lord himself.