Proverbs 18:23

23 The poor uses intreaties, but the rich answer 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 that love it shall eat its fruit.

22 Whosoever found a wife found a good thing and has attained the favour of the LORD.

23 The poor uses intreaties, but the rich answer roughly.

24 The man that has friends must show himself to be a friend, and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.