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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 18:23 The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/18-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/20_Pro_18_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 18:23 - The Selfishness of the Unfriendly" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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the rich answer with insults.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The poor <i>man</i> uses entreaties, But the rich answers roughly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A poor person utters pleadings, But a rich person answers defiantly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The poor man utters supplications, But the rich man answers roughly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The poor man utters supplications, But the rich man answers roughly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The poor man speaks supplications, But the rich man answers with strong <i>words</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The poor man pleads, But the rich man answers roughly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The poor person pleads, but the rich one answers roughly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The poor man pleads, but the rich one answers roughly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The poor useth entreaties; But the rich answereth roughly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The poor must beg for help, but the rich can give a harsh reply. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The poor useth entreaties: but the rich answereth roughly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A poor person is timid when begging, but a rich person is blunt when replying.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When the poor speak, they have to be polite, but when the rich answer, they are rude. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The poor person pleads for mercy, but the wealthy man responds harshly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A poor person makes supplications, but a rich man answers harshly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The poor useth entreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The poor speaks [with] supplications, "" And the rich answers fierce things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> With supplications doth the poor speak, And the rich answereth fierce things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The poor one will speak supplications; and the rich one will answer with vehemence.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The poor will speak with supplications, and the rich will speak roughly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The poor will speak with supplications. And the rich will express themselves roughly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The poor implore, but the rich answer harshly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The poor speak humbly; but the rich talk of great things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The poor man speaks humbly and the rich man speaks hard things.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The poor useth entreaties; But the rich answereth impudently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/18-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=3675" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/18.htm">The Selfishness of the Unfriendly</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD. <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7326.htm" title="7326: rāš (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To be in want or poor. A primitive root; to be destitute.">The poor man</a> <a href="/hebrew/8469.htm" title="8469: ta·ḥă·nū·nîm (N-mp) -- Supplication for favor. Or tachanuwnah; from chanan; earnest prayer.">pleads for mercy,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: yə·ḏab·ber- (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6223.htm" title="6223: wə·‘ā·šîr (Conj-w:: Adj-ms) -- Rich. From ashar; rich, whether literal or figurative.">but the rich man</a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: ya·‘ă·neh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To answer, respond.">answers</a> <a href="/hebrew/5794.htm" title="5794: ‘az·zō·wṯ (Adj-fp) -- Strong, mighty, fierce. From azaz; strong, vehement, harsh.">harshly.</a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-6.htm">James 2:6</a></span><br />But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you and drag you into court?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/16-19.htm">Luke 16:19-31</a></span><br />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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/34-28.htm">Job 34:28</a></span><br />They caused the cry of the poor to come before Him, and He heard the outcry of the afflicted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/10-2.htm">Psalm 10:2</a></span><br />In pride the wicked pursue the needy; let them be caught in the schemes they devise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/72-4.htm">Psalm 72:4</a></span><br />May he vindicate the afflicted among the people; may he save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/3-14.htm">Isaiah 3:14-15</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3</a></span><br />“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/19-23.htm">Matthew 19:23-24</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:16</a></span><br />And I said, “Wisdom is better than strength, but the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are not heeded.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-7.htm">1 Samuel 2:7-8</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/8-9.htm">2 Corinthians 8:9</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-20.htm">Luke 6:20</a></span><br />Looking up at His disciples, Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/82-3.htm">Psalm 82:3-4</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/32-7.htm">Isaiah 32:7</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/22-7.htm">Proverbs 22:7</a></span><br />The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The poor uses entreaties; but the rich answers roughly.</p><p class="hdg">poor</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ruth/2-7.htm">Ruth 2:7</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/2-36.htm">1 Samuel 2:36</a></b></br> And it shall come to pass, <i>that</i> every one that is left in thine house shall come <i>and</i> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/4-1.htm">2 Kings 4:1,2</a></b></br> 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… </p><p class="hdg">rich</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/42-7.htm">Genesis 42:7,30</a></b></br> 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… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/5-2.htm">Exodus 5:2</a></b></br> And Pharaoh said, Who <i>is</i> the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/25-10.htm">1 Samuel 25:10,17</a></b></br> And Nabal answered David's servants, and said, Who <i>is</i> David? and who <i>is</i> the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/18-13.htm">Answers</a> <a href="/job/19-17.htm">Entreaties</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-11.htm">Fierce</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-13.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-15.htm">Grace</a> <a href="/job/39-16.htm">Harshly</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-16.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-6.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-17.htm">Plead</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-17.htm">Pleads</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-5.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/psalms/143-1.htm">Requests</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-11.htm">Rich</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/10-13.htm">Rough</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/10-13.htm">Roughly</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-10.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-13.htm">Speaketh</a> <a href="/psalms/143-1.htm">Supplications</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-16.htm">Use</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-2.htm">Useth</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-25.htm">Utters</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-11.htm">Wealth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/22-21.htm">Answers</a> <a href="/mark/5-23.htm">Entreaties</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-13.htm">Fierce</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-6.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-1.htm">Grace</a> <a href="/mark/14-5.htm">Harshly</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-2.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-22.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-23.htm">Plead</a> <a href="/isaiah/51-22.htm">Pleads</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-1.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-23.htm">Requests</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-17.htm">Rich</a> <a href="/isaiah/27-8.htm">Rough</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-10.htm">Roughly</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-15.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-5.htm">Speaketh</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-22.htm">Supplications</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-30.htm">Use</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-15.htm">Useth</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-5.htm">Utters</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-1.htm">Wealth</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 18</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/18-1.htm">A fool delights not in understanding</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The poor man pleads for mercy</b><br>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 <a href="/psalms/72-12.htm">Psalm 72:12-14</a> and <a href="/isaiah/41-17.htm">Isaiah 41:17</a>. 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 <a href="/luke/18-13.htm">Luke 18:13</a>. The cultural context of the time often left the poor without legal recourse, making their pleas a common reality.<p><b>but the rich man answers harshly</b><br>This part of the verse contrasts the response of the wealthy, who often held power and influence. The harsh answer reflects a lack of compassion and understanding, which is condemned throughout Scripture, such as in <a href="/james/2-6.htm">James 2:6-7</a>, where the rich are criticized for exploiting the poor. The rich man's response can be seen as a warning against the dangers of wealth leading to pride and insensitivity, as illustrated in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus in <a href="/luke/16-19.htm">Luke 16:19-31</a>. This phrase also serves as a reminder of the biblical principle that true riches are found in righteousness and mercy, not material wealth.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_poor_man.htm">The Poor Man</a></b><br>Represents 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.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_rich_man.htm">The Rich Man</a></b><br>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.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>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.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_humility.htm">The Power of Humility</a></b><br>The 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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_pride.htm">The Danger of Pride</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/compassion_over_wealth.htm">Compassion Over Wealth</a></b><br>True richness is found in compassion and mercy, not in material wealth. Christians are called to prioritize relationships and empathy over financial gain.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_christ's_character.htm">Reflecting Christ's Character</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_eternal_perspective.htm">The Eternal Perspective</a></b><br>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.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 18</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_debt.htm">What does the Bible say about Christian debt?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_god's_justice.htm">What does it mean that God embodies justice?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_failure_foster_growth.htm">What does the Bible say about handling debt?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_lending.htm">What are the Bible's teachings on lending money?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) <span class= "bld">The rich answereth roughly.--</span>A warning against the hardening effect of riches. (Comp. <a href="/mark/10-23.htm" title="And Jesus looked round about, and said to his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!">Mark 10:23</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> - 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. <span class="cmt_word">The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.</span> 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 - <p><span class="foreign">"Libertas pauperis haec est:<br />Pulsatus rogat et pugnis concisus adorat,<br />Ut liceat paucis cum dentibus inde reverti."</span><br />(<span class="note_acc">Juv., 'Sat.,' 3:299.</span>) Aben Ezra explains the verse as denoting that a poor man making a submissive request from a rich man is answered cruelly and roughly. The hardening effect of wealth is seen in our Lord's parables of Dives and Lazarus (<a href="/luke/16.htm">Luke 16</a>), and the Pharisee and the publican (<a href="/luke/18.htm">Luke 18</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/18-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">The poor man</span><br /><span class="heb">רָ֑שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(rāš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7326.htm">Strong's 7326: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be in want or poor</span><br /><br /><span class="word">pleads for mercy,</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּחֲנוּנִ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(ta·ḥă·nū·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8469.htm">Strong's 8469: </a> </span><span class="str2">Supplication for favor</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but the rich man</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝עָשִׁ֗יר</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘ā·šîr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6223.htm">Strong's 6223: </a> </span><span class="str2">Rich</span><br /><br /><span class="word">answers</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעֲנֶ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘ă·neh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> </span><span class="str2">To answer, respond</span><br /><br /><span class="word">harshly.</span><br /><span class="heb">עַזּֽוֹת׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘az·zō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5794.htm">Strong's 5794: </a> </span><span class="str2">Strong, vehement, harsh</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/18-23.htm">Proverbs 18:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/18-23.htm">Proverbs 18:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/18-23.htm">Proverbs 18:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/18-23.htm">Proverbs 18:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/18-23.htm">Proverbs 18:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/18-23.htm">Proverbs 18:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/18-23.htm">Proverbs 18:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/18-23.htm">Proverbs 18:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/18-23.htm">Proverbs 18:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/18-23.htm">Proverbs 18:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/18-23.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 18:23 The poor plead for mercy (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/18-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 18:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 18:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/18-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 18:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 18:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>