No one stands by an empty-handed person; the cup accompanies the flask only as long as there is wine in it.

This couplet captures the fickle nature of the world through a vivid tavern metaphor. The poet notes that a drinking cup stays loyal to the wine flask only as long as there is wine to pour; the moment the flask is dry, companionship vanishes. In the same way, fair-weather friends crowd around us only while we have wealth and influence, deserting us the second our hands are empty.