Proverbs 24:23
Proverbs 24:23 in Multiple Translations
These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good.
These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.
These also are sayings of the wise. To have respect of persons in judgment is not good.
These are more sayings of the wise: To have respect for a person's position when judging is not good.
These are more sayings of the wise: Showing favoritism when passing judgment is wrong.
ALSO THESE THINGS PERTEINE TO THE WISE, It is not good to haue respect of any person in iudgement.
These also are for the wise: — To discern faces in judgment is not good.
These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good.
These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.
These things also to the wise: It is not good to have respect to persons in judgment.
Here are more things that wise people have said: It is wrong for judges to decide matters unfairly [IDM].
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 24:23
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 24:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
גַּם
אֵ֥לֶּה
לַֽ/חֲכָמִ֑ים
הַֽכֵּר
פָּנִ֖ים
בְּ/מִשְׁפָּ֣ט
בַּל
טֽוֹב
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
אֵ֥לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Pron
לַֽ/חֲכָמִ֑ים
châkâm
H2450
wise
Prep | Adj
הַֽכֵּר
nâkar
H5234
to recognize
V-Hiphil-Ptc
פָּנִ֖ים
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
בְּ/מִשְׁפָּ֣ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
Prep | N-ms
בַּל
bal
H1077
not
Part
טֽוֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 24:23
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
אֵ֥לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
לַֽ/חֲכָמִ֑ים
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
Prep | Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
הַֽכֵּר
nâkar
H5234
"to recognize"
V-Hiphil-Ptc
To alienate or treat as foreign, as seen in the story of Moses and the Egyptians in Exodus. This verb means to scrutinize or look intently at someone, often with suspicion or disregard. It is used to describe the actions of biblical characters towards others.
Definition: 1) to recognise, acknowledge, know, respect, discern, regard 1a) (Niphal) to be recognised 1b) (Piel) to regard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to regard, observe, pay attention to, pay regard to, notice 1c2) to recognise (as formerly known), perceive 1c3) to be willing to recognise or acknowledge, acknowledge with honour 1c4) to be acquainted with 1c5) to distinguish, understand 1d) (Hithpael) to make oneself known
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, [idiom] could, deliver, discern, dissemble, estrange, feign self to be another, know, take knowledge (notice), perceive, regard, (have) respect, behave (make) self strange(-ly). See also: Genesis 27:23; 1 Kings 20:41; Psalms 103:16.
פָּנִ֖ים
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
בְּ/מִשְׁפָּ֣ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
Prep | N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
בַּל
bal
H1077
"not"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means not or nothing, often used to show something is absent or non-existent. It appears in various forms, like lest or neither. The KJV Bible translates it in different ways, including not or none.
Definition: not, hardly, else
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: lest, neither, no, none (that...), not (any), nothing. See also: 1 Chronicles 16:30; Psalms 140:12; Psalms 10:4.
טֽוֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
Study Notes — Proverbs 24:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 24:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 24:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 24:23
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:23
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 24:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:23
- Sermons on Proverbs 24:23
Context — Further Sayings of the Wise
21My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious.
22For they will bring sudden destruction. Who knows what ruin they can bring?
23These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good.
24Whoever tells the guilty, “You are innocent”— peoples will curse him, and nations will denounce him; 25but it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come upon them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 28:21 | To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread. |
| 2 | Proverbs 18:5 | Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice. |
| 3 | John 7:24 | Stop judging by outward appearances, and start judging justly.” |
| 4 | Psalms 107:43 | Let him who is wise pay heed to these things and consider the loving devotion of the LORD. |
| 5 | James 3:17 | But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. |
| 6 | Leviticus 19:15 | You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly. |
| 7 | Psalms 82:2–4 | “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked. |
| 8 | 1 Timothy 5:20–21 | But those who persist in sin should be rebuked in front of everyone, so that the others will stand in fear of sin. I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to maintain these principles without bias, and to do nothing out of partiality. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 16:19 | Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. |
| 10 | 1 Peter 1:17 | Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners. |
Proverbs 24:23 Summary
[This verse, Proverbs 24:23, reminds us that it's not good to show favoritism or be biased when making decisions or judgments. This means treating everyone fairly and with respect, regardless of who they are or what they've done, as seen in Leviticus 19:15. By doing so, we can create a more just and loving community, as encouraged in Matthew 22:39. We should strive to be fair and impartial, just like God is, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:17 and Acts 10:34.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to show partiality in judgment?
To show partiality in judgment means to unfairly favor one person or group over another, often based on personal biases or prejudices, rather than making decisions based on fairness and justice, as seen in Proverbs 24:23 and supported by Leviticus 19:15.
Is it ever okay to show partiality in certain situations?
No, the Bible teaches that showing partiality is not good, as stated in Proverbs 24:23, and is contrary to God's command to love our neighbors as ourselves, as seen in Leviticus 19:18 and Matthew 22:39.
How can I avoid showing partiality in my own life?
To avoid showing partiality, we must strive to be fair and impartial in all our interactions, seeking to treat others with kindness and respect, regardless of their background or circumstances, as encouraged in Philippians 2:3-4 and James 2:1-9.
What are the consequences of showing partiality?
Showing partiality can lead to unfair treatment of others, damage to relationships, and even spiritual consequences, as warned in James 2:1-9 and Proverbs 24:23-25.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I show partiality in my own life, and how can I work to overcome these biases?
- How can I balance the need to be fair and impartial with the desire to show love and compassion to those around me?
- What are some practical ways I can apply the principle of not showing partiality in my daily interactions with others?
- How does showing partiality affect my relationships with others, and what can I do to repair any damage that may have been done?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:23
These [things] also [belong] to the wise,.... Both what is said before concerning fearing God and the king; these belong to the wise and unwise, rich and poor, great and small; particularly judges
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:23
These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:23
These things also, these proverbs or counsels here following to the end of the chapter, no less than those hitherto mentioned, belong to the wise; are worthy of the consideration, and fit for the use, of them who are or would be wise; for only such are capable of understanding and improving these proverbs, as was noted, , and elsewhere. To have respect of persons in judgment; for judges to determine controversies partially, according to the quality of the persons, and not according to the merits of the cause.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:23
Proverbs 24:23 These [things] also [belong] to the wise. [It is] not good to have respect of persons in judgment.Ver. 23. These things also belong to the wise.] As subjects must know their duties, so magistrates theirs; neither may they hold themselves too wise to learn. God can send even a Solomon to school to the raven, to the pismire, yea, to the lilies of the field, as being able to teach the wisest man by the weakest creature. It is not good to have respect of persons.] Heb., To know faces; to regard not so much the matter as the man; to hear persons speak, and not causes; to judge not according to truth and equity, but according to opinion and appearance - to fear or favour. This cannot be good, lawful, or safe. "He will surely" (or thoroughly) "reprove you," (not verbally only, but penally too) "if you secretly accept persons." Of Trajan it is said that he neither feared nor hated any man, but that he heard the causes of his subjects without prejudicate impiety, judiciously examined them without sinister obliquity, and sincerely judged them without unjust partiality.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 24:23
6. SECOND TO “THE OF SOLOMON,” OF VARIOUS LENGTHS, Proverbs 1:7—9:18, AND THE BOOK OF (Proverbs 24:23-34). (23) These things also belong to the wise—i.e., have the wise for their authors. (Comp. Proverbs 1:6; Proverbs 22:17.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 24:23
Verse 23. These things also belong to the wise.] גם אלה לחכמים gam elleh lachachamim, "These also to wise." This appears to be a new section; and perhaps, what follows belongs to another collection. Probably fragments of sayings collected by wise men from the Proverbs of Solomon. It is not good to have respect] Judgment and justice should never be perverted.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:23
IV. Third Collection of Proverbs. Chap. Proverbs 24:23-34A short Collection resembling in character the Second Collection, to which it forms a kind of Appendix. 23. These things also belong to] Rather, These also are sayings of, R.V. Comp. Proverbs 22:17. The Heb. preposition is the same as indicates authorship in the Titles of many of the Psalms.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 24:23
Belong to the wise - Either “are fitting for the wise, addressed to them,” or (as in the superscriptions of many of the Psalms) “are written by the wise.” Most recent commentators take it in the
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:23
23. Belong to the wise — Or, are the words of the wise. Respect of persons — Literally, to recognise faces. This is a precept especially suited to magistrates.
Sermons on Proverbs 24:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Fatherly Exhortation Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of listening to and respecting our parents. He encourages his listeners to value truth, wisdom, instruction, and unders |
|
Church and State by J.H. Newman | J.H. Newman preaches about the Union of Church and State, highlighting the concerns about attempts to disunite them, which could lead to unjust confiscation of Church property and |
|
What Is Constitutional? by Robert P. Jr Dugan | Robert P. Jr Dugan discusses the importance of understanding the Constitution, particularly in relation to religious freedom and the separation of church and state. He highlights t |
|
Actuality or Reality by Manley Beasley | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of turning to the Word of God amidst the confusion and changing circumstances of the world. He quotes 2 Corinthians 4:18, which |
|
(The Last Days & the Lord's Coming) a Pure Virgin for Christ by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the distinction between the church and the world. He uses a metaphor of a handsome man and a bride walking down the road to illustrate how th |
|
|
Through the Bible - John - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the value of women and the need to learn to value them as God does. The sermon focuses on the story of the disciples going fishing in John c |
|
Revival Stories: John Wesley by E.A. Johnston | In this sermon transcript, John Wesley recounts a powerful experience he had while preaching in May 1739. As he was preaching on the words "be still and know that I am God," God be |