Proverbs 18:23 Commentary and Bible Study

It is an observation and relates to the general subject here of fellowship. A destitute person, a poor person, in that society didn’t demand but pleaded and asked humbly for help. ‘But the rich answereth roughly’; he is haughty. He denies this and denies that; he doesn’t feel for the other party. The reason we are told this – it is obvious – in fellowship we are to ask and be more like the poor and the humble and respectfully ask each other for whatever is desired or needed and not be like the haughty rich who snap out their requests. ‘The poor useth entreaties’ – that is us as believers; to each other we behave with honour and humility. ‘But the rich’ – he is haughty; he thinks he is better, he looks down on the other. That is not us. That is not the standard for fellowship, so fellowship is never haughty.