Proverbs 18:23

“The poor useth entreaties, etc.] Or “supplications”f531; 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 be done for him, but modestly tells his case, and submits it; so such who are poor in spirit are humble supplicants at the throne of grace; but the rich answereth roughly; being proud and haughty, lifted up with their riches, and in fear of none, they answer others with hard and rough words, especially their inferiors, and particularly the poor. This is not what ought to be, but what commonly is. This verse and (<201824>Proverbs 18:24) are not in the Arabic version.”

“the rich . . . roughly--He is tolerated because rich, implying that the estimate of men by wealth is wrong.”

“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. return to 'Top of Page'”

“18:23 God will punish the powerful who disparage the poor; wise people care for the needy (11:24; 28:27; 29:7, 14).”

“poor: Rut 2:7; Sa1 2:36; Kg2 4:1, Kg2 4:2; Isa 66:2; Mat 5:3; Jam 1:9-11 rich: Gen 42:7, Gen 42:30; Exo 5:2; Sa1 25:10, Sa1 25:17; Jam 2:3 Proverbs 18:24”