Wealth and status can either be tools for serving others or tinder for arrogance.
The poor man utters supplications, but the rich man answers roughly. (v.23) This proverb depicts a stark contrast between two economic classes and how they speak to others. The “poor man” intercedes with humility, uttering “supplications” or pleas, reflecting his dependence on others’ mercy as well as on God’s provision. By contrast, the one who is wealthy or powerful often feels no need to speak with courtesy, answering “roughly” and brusquely. Such harshness can reveal a hardened heart immune to compassion. In other portions of Proverbs, mention is made of how the poor frequently require help from the more fortunate, highlighting that humility and empathy are foundational to living wisely.While this verse does not specify a geographical place, it resonates across cultures and times, reminding us that wealth and station can distort how people treat one another. The poor man’s posture of supplication can be seen as an act of surrender, reflecting Jesus’s teaching that the humble discover spiritual blessing (Matthew 5:3). In contrast, an unyielding or “rough” response can indicate pride and a refusal to acknowledge any need beyond one’s own resources. The Bible frequently warns that such pride fosters blindness to God’s truth (James 4:6). Scripture also consistently elevates the virtue of compassion, urging believers to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2) and to avoid judging by outer appearances (James 2:1-5).
True wisdom calls for thoughtful speech that reflects humility before God and kindness toward others. This proverb invites us to consider whether we use our resources—be they material or spiritual—to help and heal, or to control and disparage. Just as the poor man “utters supplications” from a heart of dependence, God continually calls all of us, regardless of means, to adopt a humble spirit that recognizes His authority and the value of each person made in His image.
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Proverbs 18:23 meaning
The poor man utters supplications, but the rich man answers roughly. (v.23) This proverb depicts a stark contrast between two economic classes and how they speak to others. The “poor man” intercedes with humility, uttering “supplications” or pleas, reflecting his dependence on others’ mercy as well as on God’s provision. By contrast, the one who is wealthy or powerful often feels no need to speak with courtesy, answering “roughly” and brusquely. Such harshness can reveal a hardened heart immune to compassion. In other portions of Proverbs, mention is made of how the poor frequently require help from the more fortunate, highlighting that humility and empathy are foundational to living wisely.While this verse does not specify a geographical place, it resonates across cultures and times, reminding us that wealth and station can distort how people treat one another. The poor man’s posture of supplication can be seen as an act of surrender, reflecting Jesus’s teaching that the humble discover spiritual blessing (Matthew 5:3). In contrast, an unyielding or “rough” response can indicate pride and a refusal to acknowledge any need beyond one’s own resources. The Bible frequently warns that such pride fosters blindness to God’s truth (James 4:6). Scripture also consistently elevates the virtue of compassion, urging believers to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2) and to avoid judging by outer appearances (James 2:1-5).
True wisdom calls for thoughtful speech that reflects humility before God and kindness toward others. This proverb invites us to consider whether we use our resources—be they material or spiritual—to help and heal, or to control and disparage. Just as the poor man “utters supplications” from a heart of dependence, God continually calls all of us, regardless of means, to adopt a humble spirit that recognizes His authority and the value of each person made in His image.