In Proverbs, chapter nineteen, verse four, this proverb speaks of what often is, not of the way things should be. Though superficial friends are attracted to the wealthy as flies drawn to honey, a poor person has few friends because they cannot provide anyone with financial or personal gain, as in verse six, “Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.” The New Testament warns against this attitude among believers in James two, verses one through nine.
“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and speak to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
“But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” Showing favoritism to people because of their wealth is to sin against the law of love.