Proverbs 24:23 - Printer Friendly

ESV: These also are sayings of the wise. Partiality in judging is not good.

NIV: These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judging is not good:

NASB: These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good.

CSB: These sayings also belong to the wise: It is not good to show partiality in judgment.

NLT: Here are some further sayings of the wise: It is wrong to show favoritism when passing judgment.

KJV: These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.

NKJV: These things also belong to the wise: It is not good to show partiality in judgment.

This begins another series of sound teachings. The first statement of wisdom ties to the theme of justice (Proverbs 24:24–25). Other proverbs made similar comments about the importance of judicial integrity (Proverbs 1:1–7; 17:23; 18:5; 21:3). Solomon was not only Israel's king but also the nation's judge. As such, he was obligated to decide cases wisely and administer justice equitably.

Deuteronomy 1:17 is part of Moses' reminder that Israel's judges were supposed to be impartial when deciding cases. This verse reads: "You shall not be partial in judgment. You shall hear the small and the great alike. You shall not be intimidated by anyone, for the judgment is God's. And the case that is too hard for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it." Deuteronomy 16:19 provides another command to judge impartially. This verse stipulates: "You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality, and you shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of the righteous." These injunctions provide wise counsel for today's judges, as well.

Proverbs 24:23–34 comes after a list of thirty wise teachings; these were recorded by Solomon while not necessarily being his own ideas. The wisdom which concludes this chapter is cited with less clarity, other than being attributed to wise speakers. These address discrimination, rebuke of the wicked, honesty, wise planning, revenge, and the consequences of laziness.

Solomon continues to list wise sayings (Proverbs 22:17–21), rounding out his promised list of thirty teachings. These endorse integrity, accepting good advice, reputation, and ethical actions. The lessons also stress godly attitudes about vengeance, bitterness, and companionship. After verse 23 come additional proverbs. These may or may not have been Solomon's own words, but at least some appear to be his thoughts. Key points in these verses are the need for impartiality in judgment, godly reputation, and work ethic.

This chapter continues thirty sayings of wise people (Proverbs 22:17–21), as collected and endorsed by Solomon. The remainder of the passage are additional wise statements, which are not as clearly attributed. Some of the lessons are framed as warnings, followed by reasons. The lessons contained here are more detailed than most of the proverbs in this book.

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.