Proverbs 17:23

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice.

American Standard Version (1901)

A wicked man receiveth a bribe out of the bosom, To pervert the ways of justice.

Bible in Basic English

A sinner takes an offering out of his robe, to get a decision for himself in a cause.

Douay-Rheims 1899

The wicked man taketh gifts out of the bosom, that he may pervert the paths of judgment.

Free Bible Version

The wicked take hidden bribes to pervert the course of justice.

Geneva Bible 1599

A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosome to wrest the wayes of iudgement.

King James (Authorized) Version

A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.

One Unity Resource Bible

A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, to pervert the ways of mishpat ·justice·.

Translation for Translators

Wicked people/judges accept bribes that are given to them secretly, and as a result they do not decide matters justly/fairly.

Unlocked Literal Bible

A wicked man accepts a secret bribe to pervert the ways of justice.

Noah Webster Bible

A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.

World English Bible

A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, to pervert the ways of justice.

Young's Literal Translation

A bribe from the bosom the wicked taketh, To turn aside the paths of judgment.

Context

Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness

²²A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. ²³A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice.

Sermons

Leadership Manual

George Verwer

616

Summary

This verse highlights the wickedness of accepting bribes and perverting justice, emphasizing the corruption that occurs when individuals compromise their integrity for personal gain. It warns against the destructive consequences of dishonesty and injustice, both in society and in personal character. The verse underscores the importance of upholding righteousness and fairness in all dealings, reflecting God's desire for His people to walk in truth and integrity. By rejecting bribery and upholding justice, individuals honor God and contribute to a more just and righteous society.

Commentary

Keil-Delitzsch
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill
Matthew Henry

Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary

23 Bribery from the bosom the godless receiveth, To pervert the ways of justice. Regarding שׂחד, vid., Pro 17:8. The idea of this word, as well as the clause containing the purpose, demand for the רשׁע a high judicial or administrative post. The bosom, חק (חיק), is, as Pro 16:23, that of the clothing. From the bosom, מחק, where it was kept concealed, the gift is brought forth, and is given into the bosom, בּחק, Pro 21:14, of him whose favour is to be obtained - an event taking place under four eyes, which purposely withdraws itself from the observation of any third person. Since this is done to give to the course of justice a direction contrary to rectitude, the giver of the bribe has not right on his side; and, under the circumstances, the favourable decision which he purchases may be at once the unrighteous sentence of a צדיק, accusing him, or accused by him, Pro 18:5.