What does Proverbs 18:5 mean?
ESV: It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the righteous of justice.
NIV: It is not good to be partial to the wicked and so deprive the innocent of justice.
NASB: To show partiality to the wicked is not good, Nor to suppress the righteous in judgment.
CSB: It is not good to show partiality to the guilty, denying an innocent person justice.
NLT: It is not right to acquit the guilty or deny justice to the innocent.
KJV: It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
NKJV: It is not good to show partiality to the wicked, Or to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
Verse Commentary:
In Hebrew, this statement literally says, "lifting the face of the wicked is not good." The same idea is then restated as setting aside righteous people in matters of judgment. To uphold evil and endorse those who are evil, at the expense of those who are moral, is a serious sin.
As a wise king and judge, Solomon practiced fairness on behalf of his subjects. He prosecuted the guilty and dispensed justice for the innocent. A judge may be tempted to distort justice on behalf of a wicked person because of that person's high status in society or because of his wealth or perhaps even out of fear of retribution. Scripture insists such an impulse is wrong. Just as wrong is to dismiss a righteous cause: to refuse to exonerate a poor or low-ranking member of society who is innocent. There are no excuses for the rendering of "perverted" or "twisted" justice (Proverbs 12:8; 17:23).
Someday Jesus, the Judge that stands at the door (James 5:9), will take possession of the earth, and He will rule "with justice and with righteousness" (Isaiah 9:7).
Verse Context:
Proverbs 18:1–9 touches on themes such as arrogance and closed-mindedness. A common thread in this section is how unwise speech, or failure to be open-minded and diligent, can lead to serious consequences.
Chapter Summary:
This segment of Solomon's wise sayings includes several well-known and often-repeated remarks. Among these are references to God's "name" as a place of safety, the connection between pride and catastrophe, the value of a godly spouse, and the intimate loyalty of a good friend. As in other parts of the book of Proverbs, these teachings are tied to warnings about the consequences of poor decisions.
Chapter Context:
Chapter 18 continues a long string of wise sayings attributed to Solomon. These began in chapter 10 and will continue through chapter 22. This section contains numerous references to fair-mindedness and seeking out truth from multiple sources. Diligent responsibility—in words, actions, and beliefs—is a notable emphasis in this segment.
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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