Proverbs 18:23

23 The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man 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.

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FOOTNOTES:

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

Proverbs 18:23 In-Context

21 Life and death 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 pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly.

24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.