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If wealth come, beware of him, the smooth, false friend!…

“If wealth come, beware of him, the smooth, false friend! There is treachery in his proffered hand; his tongue is eloquent to tempt; lust of many harms is lurking in his eye; he hath a hollow heart; use him cautiously.” quote by Martin Farquhar Tupper
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“If wealth come, beware of him, the smooth, false friend! There is treachery in his proffered hand; his tongue is eloquent to tempt; lust of many harms is lurking in his eye; he hath a hollow heart; use him cautiously.”

Martin Farquhar Tupper

About This Quote

Source Poem: "The Warning", 1865

Warns that wealth can bring deceitful friends and hidden dangers, urging caution.

In simple terms: Riches may hide treacherous friends.

Key Takeaway

Beware of false friends in pursuit of wealth.

Themes

trust wealth deception

Mood

cautionary reflective

Type

moral advisory

When to use this quote

  • financial dealings
  • new relationships
  • investment decisions

Key Concepts

betrayal materialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you assess a friend's motives?
  • Can wealth be pursued ethically?
A Different Perspective

Not all wealthy people are untrustworthy.

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