Proverbs 18:23 kjv

The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.

Proverbs 18:23 nkjv

The poor man uses entreaties, But the rich answers roughly.

Proverbs 18:23 niv

The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly.

Proverbs 18:23 esv

The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly.

Proverbs 18:23 nlt

The poor plead for mercy;
the rich answer with insults.

Proverbs 18 verses

Proverbs 18 23 Meaning

Proverbs 18:23 succinctly describes a recurring dynamic in human interaction: the poor, by necessity of their dependent condition, resort to humble pleas or supplications. In stark contrast, the wealthy, often emboldened by their position and self-sufficiency, tend to respond with harsh, dismissive, or unkind words. This observation highlights the impact of socio-economic status on demeanor and interaction.

Proverbs 18 23 Context

Proverbs 18 is part of the "Proverbs of Solomon," which generally presents contrasting truths and observations about wisdom, folly, speech, and relationships. This chapter specifically touches on topics like isolation, understanding, litigation, and the power of words. Verse 23 reflects the prevailing socio-economic realities of ancient Israel and the broader Ancient Near East, where significant disparities existed between the rich and the poor. Wisdom literature like Proverbs often critiques societal injustices and the misuse of power, implicitly encouraging compassion and righteousness toward all, especially the vulnerable. This verse serves as an observation on human nature under such conditions, contrasting the forced humility of dependence with the often unchecked arrogance of self-sufficiency.

Proverbs 18 23 Word analysis

• The poor (דַּל, dal): This Hebrew term denotes someone who is low, weak, or oppressed, extending beyond mere financial lack to encompass social vulnerability and dependence. They are often those without recourse or power, relying on the benevolence of others.
• uses entreaties (תַּחֲנוּנִים יְדַבֵּר, taḥanunim yedabber): Literally "speaks supplications" or "makes pleas for grace." Taḥanunim refers to earnest prayers or petitions, often signifying a humble, beseeching posture. This behavior is born out of need and a recognition of one's inability to demand.
• but the rich (וְעָשִׁיר, ve'ashir): ‘Ashir signifies someone wealthy, prosperous, or powerful. In biblical thought, wealth could bring temptations of self-reliance, pride, and forgetfulness of God or compassion for others.
• answers roughly (קָשׁוֹת יַעֲנֶה, qashot ya‘aneh): "Answers harshly," "answers with hard words," or "gives severe responses." Qashot implies something difficult, hard, or severe. It speaks of a brusque, unkind, or unsympathetic reply, often indicative of arrogance, impatience, or disdain stemming from a position of power.

Words-group analysis:

• "The poor uses entreaties": This phrase encapsulates a posture of dependence and humility, born from their vulnerable position. The "entreaties" are not demands but requests for grace, mercy, or aid, illustrating their reliance on others.
• "the rich answers roughly": This phrase contrasts sharply, depicting a behavior often associated with arrogance, self-sufficiency, and a lack of compassion. The "rough" answer implies a dismissal or unkindness that flows from a sense of power and a failure to empathize with the needy.

Proverbs 18 23 Bonus section

• This proverb employs the common literary device of antithetical parallelism, contrasting two opposing statements or ideas to emphasize a moral or practical truth.
• It serves as a stark commentary on the impact of power imbalance in society, revealing a fundamental aspect of fallen human nature where advantage is often exploited without compassion.
• While descriptive, the verse carries a prophetic undertone, resonating with other biblical texts that consistently advocate for the oppressed and denounce the haughty.
• The Lord Jesus Christ Himself exemplified humility and ministered extensively to the poor, often contrasting this with the pride of the wealthy and religious elite (e.g., in His teaching on the camel and the eye of a needle).

Proverbs 18 23 Commentary

Proverbs 18:23 offers a sharp observation on the social dynamics often seen between differing economic strata. It describes a common human tendency rather than prescribing a command. The verse highlights how circumstance can shape behavior: the poor are frequently compelled to adopt a humble, pleading demeanor due to their lack of resources and power, while the rich, cushioned by their wealth, are prone to respond brusquely, lacking empathy for the struggles of the vulnerable.

This proverb implicitly serves as a caution against the potential corrupting influence of wealth, which can foster arrogance and callousness. While it is an observation, it subtly judges the "rough" response of the rich, implicitly encouraging the reader to act differently—with kindness, justice, and compassion—regardless of their social standing. It reminds us that humility is a virtue, sometimes enforced by necessity but always commendable, and that genuine wisdom includes compassion for the lowly, contrary to the typical human failing described here.