The poor man pleads for mercyThis 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
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 inJames 2:6-7, 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 inLuke 16:19-31. This phrase also serves as a reminder of the biblical principle that true riches are found in righteousness and mercy, not material wealth.
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 ManSymbolizes 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.
SolomonTraditionally 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 PrideThe 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 WealthTrue 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 CharacterJesus 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 PerspectiveEarthly 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).
summaryProverbs 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:
Pulsatus rogat et pugnis concisus adorat,
Ut liceat paucis cum dentibus inde reverti."
(Juv., 'Sat.,' 3:299.) 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 (Luke 16), and the Pharisee and the publican (Luke 18).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The poor manרָ֑שׁ(rāš)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7326:To be in want or poorpleads for mercy,תַּחֲנוּנִ֥ים(ta·ḥă·nū·nîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8469:Supplication for favorbut the rich manוְ֝עָשִׁ֗יר(wə·‘ā·šîr)Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6223:Richanswersיַעֲנֶ֥ה(ya·‘ă·neh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6030:To answer, respondharshly.עַזּֽוֹת׃(‘az·zō·wṯ)Adjective - feminine plural
Strong's 5794:Strong, vehement, harsh
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 18:23 The poor plead for mercy (Prov. Pro Pr) 
