Proverbs 18:23

23 The poor man speaks beseechingly, the rich man's answer is blunt.

Proverbs 18:23 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 18:23

The poor useth entreaties
Or "supplications" F1; he is an humble supplicant to others for favours he asks in a submissive and lowly manner; he does not demand anything, nor prescribe what shall be done for him, but modestly tells his case, and submits it; so such who are poor in spirit are humble supplicants at the throne of grace; but the rich answereth roughly;
being proud and haughty, lifted up with their riches, and in fear of none, they answer others with hard and rough words, especially their inferiors, and particularly the poor. This is not what ought to be, but what commonly is. This verse and ( Proverbs 18:24 ) are not in the Arabic version.


FOOTNOTES:

F1 (Mynwnxt) "supplicationes", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Mercerus, Michaelis.

Proverbs 18:23 In-Context

21 The tongue has power over life and death; those who indulge it must eat its fruit.
22 He who finds a wife finds a great good; he has won the favor of ADONAI.
23 The poor man speaks beseechingly, the rich man's answer is blunt.
24 Some "friends" pretend to be friends, but a true friend sticks closer than a brother.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.