Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly. New Living Translation The poor plead for mercy; the rich answer with insults. English Standard Version The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly. Berean Standard Bible The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly. King James Bible The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly. New King James Version The poor man uses entreaties, But the rich answers roughly. New American Standard Bible A poor person utters pleadings, But a rich person answers defiantly. NASB 1995 The poor man utters supplications, But the rich man answers roughly. NASB 1977 The poor man utters supplications, But the rich man answers roughly. Legacy Standard Bible The poor man speaks supplications, But the rich man answers with strong words. Amplified Bible The poor man pleads, But the rich man answers roughly. Christian Standard Bible The poor person pleads, but the rich one answers roughly. Holman Christian Standard Bible The poor man pleads, but the rich one answers roughly. American Standard Version The poor useth entreaties; But the rich answereth roughly. Contemporary English Version The poor must beg for help, but the rich can give a harsh reply. English Revised Version The poor useth entreaties: but the rich answereth roughly. GOD'S WORD® Translation A poor person is timid when begging, but a rich person is blunt when replying. Good News Translation When the poor speak, they have to be polite, but when the rich answer, they are rude. International Standard Version The poor person pleads for mercy, but the wealthy man responds harshly. NET Bible A poor person makes supplications, but a rich man answers harshly. New Heart English Bible The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly. Webster's Bible Translation The poor useth entreaties; but the rich answereth roughly. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly. World English Bible The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThe poor speaks [with] supplications, "" And the rich answers fierce things. Young's Literal Translation With supplications doth the poor speak, And the rich answereth fierce things. Smith's Literal Translation The poor one will speak supplications; and the rich one will answer with vehemence. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe poor will speak with supplications, and the rich will speak roughly. Catholic Public Domain Version The poor will speak with supplications. And the rich will express themselves roughly. New American Bible The poor implore, but the rich answer harshly. New Revised Standard Version The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe poor speak humbly; but the rich talk of great things. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated The poor man speaks humbly and the rich man speaks hard things. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The poor useth entreaties; But the rich answereth impudently. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Selfishness of the Unfriendly…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 James 2:6 But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? Luke 16:19-31 Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor. / And a beggar named Lazarus lay at his gate, covered with sores / and longing to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. ... Job 34:28 They caused the cry of the poor to come before Him, and He heard the outcry of the afflicted. Psalm 10:2 In pride the wicked pursue the needy; let them be caught in the schemes they devise. Psalm 72:4 May he vindicate the afflicted among the people; may he save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor. Isaiah 3:14-15 The LORD brings this charge against the elders and leaders of His people: “You have devoured the vineyard; the plunder of the poor is in your houses. / Why do you crush My people and grind the faces of the poor?” declares the Lord GOD of Hosts. Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 19:23-24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. / Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Ecclesiastes 9:16 And I said, “Wisdom is better than strength, but the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are not heeded.” 1 Samuel 2:7-8 The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. / He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world. 2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. Luke 6:20 Looking up at His disciples, Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Psalm 82:3-4 Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. / Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked. Isaiah 32:7 The weapons of the scoundrel are destructive; he hatches plots to destroy the poor with lies, even when the plea of the needy is just. Proverbs 22:7 The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender. Treasury of Scripture The poor uses entreaties; but the rich answers roughly. poor Ruth 2:7 And she said, I pray you, let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves: so she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, that she tarried a little in the house. 1 Samuel 2:36 And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left in thine house shall come and crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread, and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests' offices, that I may eat a piece of bread. 2 Kings 4:1,2 Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen… rich Genesis 42:7,30 And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them, but made himself strange unto them, and spake roughly unto them; and he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said, From the land of Canaan to buy food… 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. 1 Samuel 25:10,17 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… Jump to Previous Answers Entreaties Fierce Gives Grace Harshly Makes Mercy Plead Pleads Poor Requests Rich Rough Roughly Speak Speaketh Supplications Use Useth Utters WealthJump to Next Answers Entreaties Fierce Gives Grace Harshly Makes Mercy Plead Pleads Poor Requests Rich Rough Roughly Speak Speaketh Supplications Use Useth Utters WealthProverbs 18 1. A fool delights not in understandingThe poor man pleads for mercy This phrase highlights the social and economic disparities present in ancient Israelite society. The poor, often marginalized and vulnerable, had to rely on the mercy of others for survival. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's concern for the poor and oppressed, as seen in passages like Psalm 72:12-14 and Isaiah 41:17. The plea for mercy can also be seen as a type of prayer, emphasizing humility and dependence on God, similar to the tax collector's prayer in Luke 18:13. The cultural context of the time often left the poor without legal recourse, making their pleas a common reality. but the rich man answers harshly Persons / Places / Events 1. The Poor ManRepresents individuals who are economically disadvantaged or in a position of need. In the context of this proverb, the poor man is characterized by his humble approach and plea for mercy. 2. The Rich Man Symbolizes those who are wealthy or in a position of power. The rich man's response is described as harsh, indicating a lack of empathy or compassion. 3. Solomon Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom. His insights often reflect observations about human nature and societal dynamics. Teaching Points The Power of HumilityThe poor man's plea for mercy reflects a posture of humility. As Christians, we are called to approach God and others with humility, recognizing our own need for grace. The Danger of Pride The rich man's harsh response is a warning against the pride that often accompanies wealth and power. Believers are encouraged to guard against arrogance and to treat others with kindness and respect. Compassion Over Wealth True richness is found in compassion and mercy, not in material wealth. Christians are called to prioritize relationships and empathy over financial gain. Reflecting Christ's Character Jesus exemplified mercy and compassion throughout His ministry. As His followers, we are to emulate His character in our interactions with others, especially those in need. The Eternal Perspective Earthly wealth is temporary, but the way we treat others has eternal significance. We should live with an awareness of the eternal impact of our actions and attitudes. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 18:23?2. How does Proverbs 18:23 illustrate the contrast between the rich and poor? 3. What does Proverbs 18:23 teach about humility in communication? 4. How can we apply Proverbs 18:23 to our interactions with others today? 5. Which other Proverbs emphasize the importance of humility and understanding in speech? 6. How does Proverbs 18:23 challenge our perspective on wealth and power dynamics? 7. How does Proverbs 18:23 reflect the social dynamics between the rich and the poor? 8. What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 18:23? 9. How does Proverbs 18:23 challenge modern views on wealth and power? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 18? 11. What does the Bible say about Christian debt? 12. What does it mean that God embodies justice? 13. What does the Bible say about handling debt? 14. What are the Bible's teachings on lending money? What Does Proverbs 18:23 Mean The poor man• Scripture introduces the poor as people God watches closely and defends. “Whoever oppresses the poor taunts their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him” (Proverbs 14:31). • Poverty in Proverbs is most often linked with humility and teachability (Proverbs 19:1; 28:6). Though lacking resources, such a person is still valued and protected by the Lord (Psalm 12:5). • James 2:5 reminds us that God “has… chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith.” The verse under study immediately sets up a contrast between external status and internal worth. pleads for mercy • “Pleads” pictures humble, earnest entreaty—an admission of need. Compare the tax collector’s cry, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner!” (Luke 18:13). • This posture is welcomed by God: “He raises the poor from the dust” (1 Samuel 2:8). The wise takeaway: neediness drives us toward dependence on the Lord. • Proverbs warns against exploiting such appeals: “Do not crush the afflicted at the gate, for the LORD will take up their case” (Proverbs 22:22-23). • Jesus blesses the same spirit: “Blessed are the poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3). but the rich man • Wealth itself is not condemned, but it often breeds self-security: “A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city” (Proverbs 18:11). • Prosperity can distort self-perception: “A rich man is wise in his own eyes” (Proverbs 28:11). • Christ warned, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:23), and Paul cautioned the affluent “not to be conceited” but to hope in God (1 Timothy 6:17). • The verse highlights the temptation of the prosperous to forget compassion and humility. answers harshly • Whereas the poor requests favor, the rich replies with severity—literally a curt, abrasive rejoinder. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). • Harshness springs from pride and a sense of superiority. Proverbs 17:27 praises the opposite: restraint and calm. • James rebukes believers who mirror this attitude: “Is it not the rich who oppress you…?” (James 2:6). The apostle later warns exploitative wealthy people to “weep and wail over the misery to come” (James 5:1-6). • God hears both sides of every conversation; hard speech toward the vulnerable invites His judgment (Proverbs 14:31). summary Proverbs 18:23 sets a vivid scene: a needy person appeals for kindness while a wealthy person replies with cutting words. Scripture affirms that God values humility, listens to the cry for mercy, and calls His people to mirror that compassion. Wealth carries responsibility; when it produces harshness, it betrays a heart trusting riches rather than the Lord. The verse therefore urges us—whatever our means—to speak with gentleness, honor the dignity of the poor, and remember that every conversation happens in the presence of the righteous Judge. (23) The rich answereth roughly.--A warning against the hardening effect of riches. (Comp. Mark 10:23.)Verse 23. - This and the following verse, and the first two verses of the next chapter, are not found in the chief manuscripts of the Septuagint, though in later codices they have been supplied from the version of Theodotion. The Codex Venetus Marcianus (23, Holmes and Parsons) is the only uncial that contains them. The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly. The irony of the passage is more strongly expressed by Siracides: "The rich man hath done wrong, and yet he threateneth withal: the poor is wronged, and he must intreat also" (Ecclus. 13:3). The rich man not only does wrong, but accompanies the injury with passionate language and abuse, as if he were the sufferer; while the poor man has humbly to ask pardon, as if he were in the wrong. Thus the Roman satirist writes -"Libertas pauperis haec est: Hebrew The poor manרָ֑שׁ (rāš) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 7326: To be in want or poor pleads for mercy, תַּחֲנוּנִ֥ים (ta·ḥă·nū·nîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 8469: Supplication for favor but the rich man וְ֝עָשִׁ֗יר (wə·‘ā·šîr) Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 6223: Rich answers יַעֲנֶ֥ה (ya·‘ă·neh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6030: To answer, respond harshly. עַזּֽוֹת׃ (‘az·zō·wṯ) Adjective - feminine plural Strong's 5794: Strong, vehement, harsh Links Proverbs 18:23 NIVProverbs 18:23 NLT Proverbs 18:23 ESV Proverbs 18:23 NASB Proverbs 18:23 KJV Proverbs 18:23 BibleApps.com Proverbs 18:23 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 18:23 Chinese Bible Proverbs 18:23 French Bible Proverbs 18:23 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 18:23 The poor plead for mercy (Prov. Pro Pr) |
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