TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 18:23.
Note, 1. Poverty, though many inconveniences to the body attend it, has often a good effect upon the spirit, for it makes men humble and submissive, and mortifies their pride. It teaches them to use entreaties. When necessity forces men to beg it tells them they must not prescribe or demand, but take what is given them and be thankful. At the throne of God's grace we are all poor, and must use entreaties, not answer, but make application, must sue sub forma pauperis - as a pauper. 2. A prosperous condition, though it has many advantages, has often this mischief attending it, that it makes men proud, haughty, and imperious: The rich answers the entreaties of the poor roughly, as Nabal answered David's messengers with railing. It is a very foolish humour of some rich men, especially those who have risen from little, that they think their riches will warrant them to give hard words, and, even where they not design any rough dealing, that it becomes them to answer roughly, whereas gentlemen ought to be gentle, Jam 3:17.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
With supplications a poor man speaks, etc. The humble in spirit humbly worship the Lord, like the publican in the Gospel; the proud boast of their merits, like the Pharisee.
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Summary
Proverbs 18:23 offers a poignant observation on the social dynamics between the economically disadvantaged and the affluent, highlighting a pervasive power imbalance. It notes that the poor, often in a position of acute need, must resort to humble pleas and earnest requests, while the rich, secure in their status and resources, tend to respond with bluntness, arrogance, or a lack of empathy. This proverb reveals a timeless truth about human nature and societal structures, implicitly inviting reflection on the imperative for empathy, the dangers of pride, and the potential for wealth to harden the heart against the vulnerable.
Context
Literary Context
Proverbs 18:23 is situated within a broader collection of wisdom sayings in the book of Proverbs, a compilation designed to impart practical wisdom for righteous living and discernment. This particular chapter, like many in the book, presents a series of pithy, often contrasting, observations about human behavior, character, and their consequences. The verses immediately preceding and following often deal with themes of speech, relationships, and the nature of folly versus wisdom. For instance, Proverbs 18:21 speaks to the profound power of the tongue, a theme directly relevant to the "intreaties" and "rough" answers described in verse 23. The book frequently employs antithetical parallelism, where two contrasting ideas are presented, as seen in the opposition between the poor and the rich in this verse, to illuminate moral and social truths and their implications.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israel, as in many ancient Near Eastern societies, economic disparities were pronounced and often stark. Society was largely agrarian, and vulnerability to famine, debt, and oppression was a constant threat for the poor. Without a robust social safety net, the poor often depended on the benevolence of the wealthy or the community, making "intreaties" a necessary means of survival, seeking justice, or gaining favor. The rich, conversely, held significant social and economic power, often owning land, controlling resources, and wielding influence in judicial and communal affairs. Their "rough" response could stem from a sense of entitlement, a desire to maintain social hierarchy, or simply a lack of empathy—a common pitfall for those in positions of power, as noted in various biblical texts like Amos 2:6-7. The proverb reflects a societal reality where social standing heavily influenced how one spoke and was spoken to, underscoring the vulnerability of the marginalized.
Key Themes
This proverb contributes to several overarching themes found throughout the book of Proverbs and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of social justice and economic inequality, implicitly critiquing the imbalance of power and the potential for the wealthy to misuse their position. It aligns with the biblical emphasis on caring for the vulnerable, as seen in laws protecting the poor and warnings against their oppression, such as in Deuteronomy 15:7-11. Secondly, it highlights the theme of speech and its impact, contrasting the humble, pleading words of the poor with the harsh, dismissive words of the rich. This connects to the broader wisdom tradition that emphasizes the importance of careful, gracious, and edifying speech, as opposed to rash or unkind words (e.g., Proverbs 15:1). Finally, it touches on humility versus arrogance, portraying the poor's necessary humility and the rich's potential for pride, a recurring motif in Proverbs that consistently warns against the dangers of haughtiness and extols the virtues of humility before God and others (e.g., Proverbs 16:18).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term (H7326) derives from a primitive root meaning "to be destitute." It describes someone who is in a state of lack, needing, or being impoverished. In this context, it refers to an individual who is economically disadvantaged, lacking resources, and therefore often dependent on others, which necessitates a posture of supplication.
This word (H8469) signifies earnest prayer, supplication, or a plea for favor. It conveys a deep sense of humility, dependence, and perhaps desperation. The poor person is not demanding but is humbly requesting, relying on the mercy or kindness of the one being addressed, often with a tone of earnestness and vulnerability.
This word (H5794) means strong, vehement, or harsh. It describes a response that is blunt, unyielding, and often unsympathetic. It suggests a lack of gentleness or empathy, reflecting the power and perceived invulnerability of the rich individual who feels no need to soften their words or consider the vulnerability of the petitioner.
Verse Breakdown
"The poor useth intreaties"
This clause describes the posture and communication style typically adopted by the economically disadvantaged. Lacking social or financial leverage, the poor person must approach others, especially those in positions of power or with resources, with humility and earnest pleas. Their words are not demands but humble requests, born out of necessity and dependence. This reflects a societal reality where their very survival, well-being, or access to justice often hinges on the favor, mercy, or kindness of others.
"but the rich answereth roughly"
This contrasting clause reveals the typical response of the wealthy. Secure in their position and abundant resources, the rich often feel no compulsion to be gentle, empathetic, or even polite. Their answer is characterized by harshness, bluntness, or a dismissive tone, indicating a lack of compassion or an assertion of their superior status. This highlights the potential for wealth and power to foster insensitivity, arrogance, or a disregard for the feelings and needs of those perceived as inferior.
Literary Devices
Proverbs 18:23 primarily employs Antithetical Parallelism, a foundational literary device in Hebrew wisdom literature. This involves presenting two contrasting ideas or statements that illuminate each other through their direct opposition. Here, the "poor" and their characteristic "intreaties" are set in stark opposition to the "rich" and their "rough" answers. This contrast powerfully emphasizes the inherent power imbalance and the differing social realities that shape the communication styles of the two groups. The proverb also utilizes Juxtaposition to place these two contrasting behaviors side-by-side, compelling the reader to observe the disparity and consider its moral and ethical implications. The choice of verbs—"useth intreaties" versus "answereth roughly"—further highlights this contrast in action and attitude, revealing a subtle but profound Irony: those who possess much often exhibit a deficiency in compassion, while those who possess little are compelled to demonstrate profound humility.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This proverb, while a keen social observation, carries profound theological implications. It implicitly critiques the misuse of power and wealth, aligning with the consistent biblical emphasis on justice for the poor and vulnerable. God's character is consistently revealed as one who champions the cause of the oppressed and warns against the hardening of hearts due to affluence. The proverb serves as a call to empathy and righteous conduct, reminding us that true wisdom involves compassionate and just interaction, especially with those less fortunate. It challenges the notion that wealth grants moral superiority or license for harshness, instead suggesting that it often exposes a lack of humility and compassion, which are virtues highly esteemed by God.
Reflection and Application
Proverbs 18:23 serves as a timeless mirror, reflecting not just ancient societal norms but enduring human tendencies. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and interactions, particularly when we are in positions of power, influence, or relative affluence. Do we listen with genuine empathy to the pleas of those who are vulnerable, or do we dismiss them with harshness, impatience, or indifference? The proverb reminds us that true wisdom is not merely about accumulating wealth or status but about how we steward all our resources, including our words, attitudes, and influence, in relation to others. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of compassion, humility, and generosity, recognizing that all people, rich and poor, are created in God's image and deserve dignity and respect. Our response to the needy and the marginalized reveals much about our character and our understanding of God's heart for justice and mercy.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does this proverb condemn all rich people as inherently harsh?
No, the proverb is an observation of a common tendency and a potential pitfall of wealth and power, rather than an absolute condemnation of all wealthy individuals. It highlights how affluence can, but does not always, lead to arrogance or insensitivity. The book of Proverbs frequently describes general patterns of behavior and their consequences, offering insights into human nature. While the rich can answer roughly, the Bible also presents examples of righteous wealthy individuals (e.g., Job, Abraham) and commands them to be generous and just (e.g., 1 Timothy 6:17-19). The proverb serves as a warning and an invitation to self-examination for those who possess wealth or power, encouraging them to use their position with humility and compassion.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Proverbs 18:23, while an astute observation of fallen human social dynamics, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound reversal in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He, though "rich, yet for your sakes became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9). Jesus did not "answer roughly" the pleas of the poor, the sick, the demon-possessed, or the marginalized; rather, He consistently met them with profound compassion, healing, and transformative grace. He welcomed the outcast (Luke 15:1-2), touched the leper (Mark 1:40-42), and listened intently to the desperate cries of those in need (Matthew 20:29-34), embodying the very opposite of the harshness described in the proverb. His entire ministry was characterized by divine humility and selfless service, serving as the supreme model for how those with true authority should interact with the vulnerable. Furthermore, in His ultimate act of self-giving on the cross, Jesus became the ultimate "intreaty" for humanity, a humble sacrifice that answered the deep spiritual poverty and sin of all people with the boundless richness of God's grace, forgiveness, and eternal life, offering true spiritual wealth to all who believe (Ephesians 2:4-7).