Proverbs 18:23

Translations

King James Version (KJV)

The poor uses entreaties; but the rich answers roughly.

American King James Version (AKJV)

The poor uses entreaties; but the rich answers roughly.

American Standard Version (ASV)

The poor useth entreaties; But the rich answereth roughly.

Basic English Translation (BBE)

The poor man makes requests for grace, but the man of wealth gives a rough answer.

Webster's Revision

The poor useth entreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.

World English Bible

The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly.

English Revised Version (ERV)

The poor useth entreaties: but the rich answereth roughly.

Barnes's Proverbs 18:23 Bible Commentary

Note the paradox. The poor man, of whom one might expect roughness, supplicates; the rich, well nurtured, from whom one might look for courtesy, answers harshly and brusquely.