Proverbs 18:23

23 The poor beg for mercy, but the rich give rude answers.

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 What you say can mean life or death. Those who speak with care will be rewarded.
22 When a man finds a wife, he finds something good. It shows that the Lord is pleased with him.
23 The poor beg for mercy, but the rich give rude answers.
24 Some friends may ruin you, but a real friend will be more loyal than a brother.
Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.