Proverbs 18:5
It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
Original Language Analysis
שְׂאֵ֣ת
to accept
H5375
שְׂאֵ֣ת
to accept
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
1 of 8
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
פְּנֵי
the person
H6440
פְּנֵי
the person
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
2 of 8
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
רָשָׁ֣ע
of the wicked
H7563
רָשָׁ֣ע
of the wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
3 of 8
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
ט֑וֹב
It is not good
H2896
ט֑וֹב
It is not good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
5 of 8
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
Cross References
Leviticus 19:15Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.Proverbs 28:21To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.Deuteronomy 16:19Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.Psalms 82:2How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.Proverbs 17:15He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.Proverbs 24:23These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.Isaiah 5:23Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!Job 34:19How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands.Matthew 22:16And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
Historical Context
Mosaic law repeatedly commanded impartial justice (Leviticus 19:15, Deuteronomy 1:17). Israel's judges were to show no favoritism to rich or poor but render verdicts based solely on evidence and law.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you show partiality in your judgments based on wealth, status, or relationship?
- How can you ensure that your evaluations of others are fair and impartial?
- What systems can be implemented in your spheres of influence to prevent favoritism?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Showing partiality to the wicked and overthrowing the righteous in judgment are both evil. The Hebrew 'nasa panim' (accept/lift up the face) refers to favoritism based on status or bribes. To 'overthrow' (Hebrew 'natah'—turn aside, pervert) the righteous denies them justice. Reformed theology insists on impartial justice reflecting God's character (Deuteronomy 10:17). God shows no partiality, and neither should His people. This applies to judicial systems, church discipline, and personal relationships. Justice must be blind to status and favor, considering only truth and righteousness.