Proverbs 18:23

23 The ¹poor man utters supplications, But the ²rich man ³answers roughly.

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.

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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, And those who love it will eat its fruit.

22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing And obtains favor from the LORD .

23 The poor man utters supplications, But the rich man answers roughly.

24 A man of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Cross References

• 1. Proverbs 19:7
• 2. James 2:3, 6
• 3. 1 Kings 12:13; 2 Chronicles 10:13