Proverbs 18:23

23 Poor people beg for mercy. But rich people answer in a mean way.

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 Your tongue has the power of life and death. Those who love to talk will eat the fruit of their words.

22 The one who finds a wife finds what is good. He receives favor from the Lord.

23 Poor people beg for mercy. But rich people answer in a mean way.

24 Even a man who has many companions can be destroyed. But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.