Proverbs 18:23

¶ The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.

The poor {H7326} useth {H1696} intreaties {H8469}; but the rich {H6223} answereth {H6030} roughly {H5794}.

The poor man speaks beseechingly, the rich man's answer is blunt.

The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly.

The poor useth entreaties; But the rich answereth roughly.

Commentary

Context of Proverbs 18:23

Proverbs 18:23 is a pithy observation from the book of Proverbs, a collection of wisdom literature that offers practical guidance for living a righteous and successful life. This particular verse highlights a common social dynamic prevalent in ancient societies, and indeed, still relevant today: the interaction between the economically disadvantaged and the wealthy. The book often contrasts the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked, and in this case, the poor and the rich, revealing truths about human nature and societal structures.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Power Dynamics: The verse starkly illustrates the imbalance of power between the poor and the rich. The poor, lacking resources and influence, must often resort to humble entreaties and supplication to gain favor or assistance. Conversely, the rich, secure in their financial standing, can afford to be dismissive or harsh without immediate consequence.
  • Humility vs. Arrogance: The language of the poor is characterized by humility and dependence ("useth intreaties"), born out of necessity. The response of the rich, described as "roughly," often stems from a position of pride, arrogance, or a lack of empathy, highlighting a potential moral failing that accompanies wealth if not tempered by wisdom.
  • Social Justice and Empathy: While simply stating a reality, the proverb implicitly critiques this disparity. It prompts reflection on how wealth can harden the heart and how society often treats its most vulnerable. Other Scriptures frequently warn against oppressing the poor and encourage compassion.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Intreaties" (Hebrew: תַּחֲנוּנִים - *taḥănunim*): This term signifies supplications, pleas for favor, or earnest prayers. It conveys a sense of humility and dependence, indicating that the poor person must rely on the kindness or mercy of others.
  • "Roughly" (Hebrew: עַזָּה - *‘azzah*): This word implies strength, harshness, boldness, or insolence. It describes a blunt, unyielding, and often unsympathetic response, reflecting the power and perceived invulnerability of the rich individual.

Practical Application

This proverb serves as a timeless observation and a call to self-examination:

  • Awareness of Power: It reminds us to be mindful of power dynamics in our own interactions, whether based on wealth, social status, or position. Those with more influence should be particularly careful to avoid harshness and to exercise compassion.
  • Cultivating Empathy: The verse encourages empathy for the vulnerable. Recognizing that the poor often have to humble themselves to seek help should inspire a gracious and compassionate response, not a dismissive one. Consider how James warns against showing favoritism to the rich over the poor in the church.
  • Warning Against Arrogance: For those in positions of wealth or authority, it's a sobering reminder that such positions can lead to arrogance and insensitivity. True wisdom and righteousness involve treating all people with dignity and respect, regardless of their economic standing. As Proverbs 22:2 states, "The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all."
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • James 2:3

    And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:

  • James 1:9

    Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:

  • James 1:11

    For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.

  • Exodus 5:2

    And Pharaoh said, Who [is] the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.

  • Matthew 5:3

    Blessed [are] the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

  • 1 Samuel 25:10

    And Nabal answered David's servants, and said, Who [is] David? and who [is] the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master.

  • 1 Samuel 25:17

    Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his household: for he [is such] a son of Belial, that [a man] cannot speak to him.
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