Proverbs 24:23

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

גַּם H1571
גַּם
Strong's: H1571
Word #: 1 of 8
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
אֵ֥לֶּה H428
אֵ֥לֶּה
Strong's: H428
Word #: 2 of 8
these or those
לַֽחֲכָמִ֑ים These things also belong to the wise H2450
לַֽחֲכָמִ֑ים These things also belong to the wise
Strong's: H2450
Word #: 3 of 8
wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)
הַֽכֵּר to have respect H5234
הַֽכֵּר to have respect
Strong's: H5234
Word #: 4 of 8
properly, to scrutinize, i.e., look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (
פָּנִ֖ים of persons H6440
פָּנִ֖ים of persons
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 5 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
בְּמִשְׁפָּ֣ט in judgment H4941
בְּמִשְׁפָּ֣ט in judgment
Strong's: H4941
Word #: 6 of 8
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
בַּל H1077
בַּל
Strong's: H1077
Word #: 7 of 8
properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest
טֽוֹב׃ It is not good H2896
טֽוֹב׃ It is not good
Strong's: H2896
Word #: 8 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

Proverbs 28:21To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.Proverbs 18:5It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.Psalms 107:43Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.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 1:6To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.John 7:24Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.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.Deuteronomy 1:17Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it.James 3:17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.Hosea 14:9Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.

Analysis & Commentary

This verse introduces a new section: 'These things also belong to the wise' (גַּם־אֵלֶּה לַחֲכָמִים/gam-eleh lachakhamim, these also are for/of the wise). The following verses (23-34) constitute additional wisdom sayings. The immediate topic is judicial partiality: 'It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment' (הַכֵּר־פָּנִים בַּמִּשְׁפָּט בַּל־טוֹב/hakker-panim bamishpat bal-tov, showing partiality in judgment is not good). The law repeatedly forbade this: 'Ye shall not respect persons in judgment' (Deuteronomy 1:17); 'Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons' (Deuteronomy 16:19). James condemned it in the church: 'if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin' (James 2:9). God Himself shows no partiality (Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11). Judges must decide based on truth and law, not the litigants' status, wealth, or relationship. Partiality perverts justice, oppresses the vulnerable, and violates God's character.

Historical Context

Ancient judicial systems constantly battled corruption through partiality. Wealthy and powerful individuals could influence judges through bribes, threats, or social pressure. The poor had minimal recourse. Moses commanded judges: 'Hear the causes between your brethren, and judge righteously... Ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's' (Deuteronomy 1:16-17). Despite this, corruption persisted. Prophets condemned judges who accepted bribes and favored the wealthy (Isaiah 1:23; 5:23; Micah 3:11; Amos 5:12). Jesus faced partial judges—Pilate knew He was innocent but yielded to political pressure (Matthew 27:24; John 19:12). The early church struggled with partiality favoring wealthy members (James 2:1-9). Church courts (handling disputes among believers, 1 Corinthians 6:1-8) needed reminding to judge impartially. Throughout history, Christian judicial reforms emphasized equal treatment regardless of status—rooted in the biblical principle that God judges without partiality.

Questions for Reflection