What does Proverbs 17:23 mean?
ESV: The wicked accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the ways of justice.
NIV: The wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the course of justice.
NASB: A wicked person accepts a bribe from an inside pocket To pervert the ways of justice.
CSB: A wicked person secretly takes a bribe to subvert the course of justice.
NLT: The wicked take secret bribes to pervert the course of justice.
KJV: A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
NKJV: A wicked man accepts a bribe behind the back To pervert the ways of justice.
Verse Commentary:
Other statements in the book of Proverbs note that bribes sometimes work (Proverbs 17:8; 21:14). This is not an endorsement of them, as other verses show (Proverbs 29:4). This proverb connects accepting bribes with a warping of justice. A government official might accept a bribe and declare a guilty person innocent or give undue support to some cause. Doing so is a perversion of truth. It discredits the person who should decide matters according to objective law.
First Samuel 8:1 reports that Samuel appointed his sons judges over Israel. But Samuel's sons were wicked; they pursued wealth instead of truth. This included accepting bribes. By doing so, they "perverted justice" (1 Samuel 8:3), described using a phrase very similar to the one contained in this proverb. Earlier, Eli's sons became the objects of God's judgment when they did evil to the people of Israel from their position as priests. The Philistines defeated Israel, captured the ark, and Eli's two sons Hophni and Phinehas died (1 Samuel 4:11).
In Amos 5 the Lord pronounces judgment on the house of Israel for its sins, among which is bribery. He says, "For I know how many are your transgressions and how great are your sins—you who afflict the righteous, who take a bribe, and turn aside the needy in the gate." (Amos 5:12)
Verse Context:
Proverbs 17:22–28 continues Solomon's wise sayings. He commends a joyful heart, a calm spirit, and controlled speech, but he points out the bad effects of sins of negativity, bribery, imposing fines on righteous people, and opposing the righteous.
Chapter Summary:
This portion of Solomon's wise sayings involves several recurring themes. Among these are the importance of controlling one's words: hasty or spiteful language can do great harm. He also notes how wisdom and foolishness tend to be self-perpetuating. Wise people seek wisdom, foolish people seem immune to it. Other important topics are the impact of ungodly children on a family and the value of integrity and common sense.
Chapter Context:
Chapter 10 began a lengthy series of Solomon's statements of wisdom. This chapter continues by noting concepts such as honesty, controlled speech, and family harmony. The list continues into chapter 22.
Book Summary:
Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.
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