Proverbs 18:23

23 The poor pleads for mercy, But the rich answers harshly.

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 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; Those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor of the LORD.
23 The poor pleads for mercy, But the rich answers harshly.
24 A man of many companions may be ruined, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
The Hebrew Names Version is in the public domain.