Proverbs 18:23

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

The poor useth entreaties; But the rich answereth roughly.

Commentary

### 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](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - The Power of the Tongue") 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](/amos/2-6-7 "Amos 2:6-7 - Oppression of the Poor and Needy"). 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](/deuteronomy/15-7-11 "Deuteronomy 15:7-11 - Lending to the Poor and Needy"). 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](/proverbs/15-1 "Proverbs 15:1 - A Soft Answer Turns Away Wrath")). 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](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Poor (Hebrew, _rûwsh'_):** 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.
* **Intreaties (Hebrew, _tachănûwn'_):** 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.
* **Roughly (Hebrew, _ʻaz'_):** 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.

* [Proverbs 14:31](/proverbs/14-31 "Proverbs 14:31 - Oppressing the Poor Dishonors God")
* [James 2:5-7](/james/2-5-7 "James 2:5-7 - God Chooses the Poor of the World")
* [Proverbs 22:2](/proverbs/22-2 "Proverbs 22:2 - Rich and Poor Meet Together")

### 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
* **In what ways might I, consciously or unconsciously, "answer roughly" to those I perceive as having less status, influence, or resources than myself?**
* **How does this proverb challenge my understanding of wealth, poverty, and social responsibility in contemporary society?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater empathy, humility, and graciousness in my interactions, especially with those who are vulnerable or in need?**

### FAQ

**Does this proverb condemn all rich people as inherently harsh?**

Answer: 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](/1_timothy/6-17-19 "1 Timothy 6:17-19 - Instructions to the Rich")). 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](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Example of Giving")). 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](/luke/15-1-2 "Luke 15:1-2 - Jesus Welcomes Sinners")), touched the leper ([Mark 1:40-42](/mark/1-40-42 "Mark 1:40-42 - Jesus Cleanses a Leper")), and listened intently to the desperate cries of those in need ([Matthew 20:29-34](/matthew/20-29-34 "Matthew 20:29-34 - Jesus Heals Two Blind Men")), 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](/ephesians/2-4-7 "Ephesians 2:4-7 - God's Rich Mercy and Grace")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.