This Malagasy proverb highlights the influence of wealth on relationships and social status. It illustrates how possessing material wealth can attract numerous individuals seeking to benefit from, or be associated with, a prosperous person. Furthermore, it suggests that wealth often has the effect of enhancing one’s outer appearance or social prestige. The English equivalent might be ‘money can’t buy happiness, but it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery.’ It also reminds us to be cautious of relationships that may be influenced by material gain.