John Gill Commentary Proverbs 18:23

"The poor useth entreaties; But the rich answereth roughly." — Proverbs 18:23 (ASV)

The poor uses entreaties
Or "supplications" ^F1 ; 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 answers 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 (Proverbs 18:24) are not in the Arabic version.

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FOOTNOTES:

• F1: (Mynwnxt) "supplicationes", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Mercerus, Michaelis.