Proverbs 18:23
Proverbs 18:23 in Multiple Translations
The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly.
The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
The poor useth entreaties; But the rich answereth roughly.
The poor man makes requests for grace, but the man of wealth gives a rough answer.
The poor beg for mercy, but the rich reply harshly.
The poore speaketh with prayers: but the rich answereth roughly.
[With] supplications doth the poor speak, And the rich answereth fierce things.
The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly.
The poor useth entreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
The poor will speak with supplications, and the rich will speak roughly.
It is necessary for poor people to speak politely when they request rich people to do something for them, but rich people reply very impolitely when poor people speak to them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 18:23
BAB
Word Study
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 18:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
תַּחֲנוּנִ֥ים
יְדַבֶּר
רָ֑שׁ
וְ֝/עָשִׁ֗יר
יַעֲנֶ֥ה
עַזּֽוֹת
תַּחֲנוּנִ֥ים
tachănûwn
H8469
supplication
N-mp
יְדַבֶּר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
רָ֑שׁ
rûwsh
H7326
be poor
V-Qal
וְ֝/עָשִׁ֗יר
ʻâshîyr
H6223
rich
Conj | Adj
יַעֲנֶ֥ה
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
עַזּֽוֹת
ʻaz
H5794
strong
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 18:23
תַּחֲנוּנִ֥ים
tachănûwn
H8469
"supplication"
N-mp
This Hebrew word describes an earnest or heartfelt prayer, often used to express a deep desire for God's help or favor. It can be a plea to man or God, seeking kindness or mercy. The KJV translates it as intreaty or supplication.
Definition: 1) supplication, supplication for favour 1a) to man 1b) to God
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: intreaty, supplication. See also: 2 Chronicles 6:21; Psalms 143:1; Psalms 28:2.
יְדַבֶּר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
רָ֑שׁ
rûwsh
H7326
"be poor"
V-Qal
To be poor or destitute, often used to describe someone who lacks material possessions or is in need, as seen in the story of the poor widow in Mark 12:42. This verb can also be used to describe someone who is spiritually poor or lacking.
Definition: 1) to be poor, be in want, lack 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be poor 1a2) to be in want or hunger 1a3) poor man (subst) 1b)(Hithpolel) one impoverishing himself (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: lack, needy, (make self) poor (man). See also: 1 Samuel 18:23; Proverbs 18:23; Psalms 34:11.
וְ֝/עָשִׁ֗יר
ʻâshîyr
H6223
"rich"
Conj | Adj
In the Bible, the Hebrew word for 'rich' describes someone with wealth or noble status. It is used to describe people who are wealthy, like the rich man in certain parables. The word is often translated as 'rich' in English Bibles.
Definition: adj 1) rich, wealthy n 2) the rich, the wealthy, rich man
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: rich (man). See also: Exodus 30:15; Proverbs 18:23; Psalms 45:13.
יַעֲנֶ֥ה
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
עַזּֽוֹת
ʻaz
H5794
"strong"
Adj
Means strong or fierce, used to describe powerful forces or intense emotions in the Bible, like greedy desires or mighty powers.
Definition: strong, mighty, fierce
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: fierce, [phrase] greedy, mighty, power, roughly, strong. See also: Genesis 49:3; Proverbs 18:23; Psalms 18:18.
Study Notes — Proverbs 18:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 18:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 18:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 18:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 18:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 18:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 18:23
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 18:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 18:23
- Sermons on Proverbs 18:23
Context — The Selfishness of the Unfriendly
21Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.
23The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly.
24A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James 2:3 | If you lavish attention on the man in fine clothes and say, “Here is a seat of honor,” but say to the poor man, “You must stand” or “Sit at my feet,” |
| 2 | James 1:9–11 | The brother in humble circumstances should exult in his high position. But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits. |
| 3 | Ruth 2:7 | She has said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves after the harvesters.’ So she came out and has continued from morning until now, except that she rested a short time in the shelter.” |
| 4 | Matthew 5:3 | “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. |
| 5 | Isaiah 66:2 | Has not My hand made all these things? And so they came into being,” declares the LORD. “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word. |
| 6 | Exodus 5:2 | But Pharaoh replied, “Who is the LORD that I should obey His voice and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and I will not let Israel go.” |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 25:17 | Now consider carefully what you must do, because disaster looms over our master and all his household. For he is such a scoundrel that nobody can speak to him!” |
| 8 | Genesis 42:30 | “The man who is lord of the land spoke harshly to us and accused us of spying on the country. |
| 9 | James 2:6 | But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 25:10 | But Nabal asked them, “Who is David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants these days are breaking away from their masters. |
Proverbs 18:23 Summary
This verse is saying that people who are poor often ask for help, but people who are rich often say no or are mean to them. This is not how God wants us to treat each other, as we see in Matthew 25:31-46, where Jesus teaches us to love and care for those in need. We should try to be kind and compassionate to everyone, no matter how much money they have, and remember that God loves and values all people equally, as taught in Psalm 72:12-14 and Acts 10:34-35.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main idea of Proverbs 18:23?
The main idea of Proverbs 18:23 is that the poor often plead for mercy, while the rich often respond with harshness, as seen in the contrast between the poor man's plea and the rich man's harsh answer, highlighting the importance of treating others with kindness and compassion, as taught in Matthew 25:31-46.
Does this verse mean that all rich people are harsh?
No, this verse is not saying that all rich people are harsh, but rather that the rich often have a tendency to respond harshly to the poor, as seen in the story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31, emphasizing the need for humility and compassion towards those in need.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives?
We can apply this verse to our own lives by being mindful of how we respond to those in need, and striving to show kindness and compassion to all people, regardless of their economic status, as encouraged in Galatians 2:10 and James 2:1-9.
Is this verse related to the idea of justice in the Bible?
Yes, this verse is related to the idea of justice in the Bible, as it highlights the importance of treating all people with fairness and compassion, regardless of their economic status, as taught in Deuteronomy 10:17-19 and Isaiah 1:17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can show kindness and compassion to those in need, and how can I respond to their pleas for help in a way that honors God?
- How can I avoid responding harshly to those who are poor or in need, and instead show them the love and compassion of Christ?
- What are some biblical principles that can guide my interactions with people of different economic backgrounds, and how can I apply these principles in my daily life?
- How can I use my resources and influence to help those in need, and to promote justice and fairness in my community?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 18:23
The poor useth entreaties,.... Or "supplications" (a); 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 18:23
The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly. The poor useth entreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 18:23
Useth entreaties; humbly begs the favour of rich men, as his necessities and occasions require it. Answereth roughly; speaketh proudly and scornfully, either to the poor, or to others that converse with him, being puffed up with a conceit of his riches, and of his self-sufficiency.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 18:23
Proverbs 18:23 The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.Ver. 23. The poor useth entreaties.] Speaks supplications; comes in a submissive manner; uses a low language, as a broken man. How much more should we do so to God? Quanta cum reverentia, quanto timore, quanta ad Deum humilitate aecedere debet e palude sua procedens et repens vilis ranuncula, creeping into his presence with utmost humility and reverence. Bernard.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 18:23
(23) The rich answereth roughly.—A warning against the hardening effect of riches. (Comp. Mark 10:23.)
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 18:23
Note the paradox. The poor man, of whom one might expect roughness, supplicates; the rich, well nurtured, from whom one might look for courtesy, answers harshly and brusquely.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 18:23
23. The poor useth entreaties — The verse may be regarded as stating a fact without any justification of the latter part of the statement. Compare Proverbs 14:21; Proverbs 17:5.
Sermons on Proverbs 18:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The History of Rock - Part 1 by Alan Ives | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of playing good music and its impact on the attitude of Christians. He refers to First Thessalonians 5 and highlights the vari |
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Poor and Contrite Spirits—the Objects of the Divine Favor by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches about the importance of being poor and contrite in spirit, and trembling at the Word of God to receive divine favor. He emphasizes the need for humility, sel |
|
The False Gospel of Prosperity by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher highlights the dire state of the world, with one billion people near starvation and millions unemployed. He emphasizes the persecution faced by God's c |
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Book of James by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of staying faithful to God and not being enticed away by worldly distractions. He highlights the book of James as a powerful c |
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The Rod and the Cross by A.W. Tozer | The preacher delves into the concept of 'Footstool' as mentioned in the Bible, symbolizing God's authority and power over all things. The footstool represents a place of worship an |
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Walking Along Wisdom's Way by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the false sense of security that comes from relying on money and material possessions. He uses the example of a checkbook, highlighting how |
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Principles of Godly Music—sing a New Song by Dean Taylor | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the power of music and its ability to evoke emotions and bring about change. He uses the example of a man in Berlin who played a song that h |