“The Poor Plead”

Proverbs 18 tells how people of status and means commonly elevate themselves over others while the poor don’t dare. It says, “The poor person pleads [entreats,  make supplication], but the rich one answers roughly” (Prov. 18:23, CSB). 

We’ve all heard stories of powerful people and celebrities who demean their staff or sometimes don’t even want them to make eye-contact with them. But everybody who has been at a material disadvantage in relation to another has received some of this treatment. You know you can’t talk to the boss the way they talk to you, even as you know they don’t talk to their own boss that way. 

Most people try to get away with whatever their position lets them. “The wealth of the rich is his fortified city; in his imagination it is like a high wall” (v. 11). While those who think themselves secure imagine themselves walled off from the rest of it, the poor get to the deal with the reality that, “A poor person is hated even by his neighbor, but there are many who love the rich” (14:20). Woe to those who take advantage of this to mistreat and oppress others. Instead, “whoever shows kindness to the poor will be blessed” (14:21).

Instead of concern about earthly status, let all believers—especially those who might have some power or status over others—remember this truth: “The rich and the poor have a common bond, The LORD is the maker of them all” (22:2).