Mishle 18:23

23 The poor useth entreaties, but the oisher answereth roughly.

Mishle 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.

Mishle 18:23 In-Context

21 Mavet and chayyim are in the power of the lashon, and they that love it shall eat the p’ri (fruit) thereof.

22 He who findeth an isha (wife) findeth tov, and obtaineth ratzon (favor) from Hashem.

23 The poor useth entreaties, but the oisher answereth roughly.

24 An ish of many companions may come to ruin, but there is an ohev (friend) that sticketh closer than a brother.