Proverbs 28:21
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Proverbs 28:21
21 To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
Chapter Context
Proverbs 28 is a wisdom sayings chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, prayer, grace. Written during primarily Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature was common in royal courts for training officials.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-28: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Proverbs and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Proverbs 28:21
21 To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
Analysis
To have respect of persons is not good (הַכֵּר־פָּנִים לֹא־טוֹב, hakker-panim lo-tov)—נָכַר פָּנִים (nakar panim, 'to recognize faces, show partiality') is לֹא־טוֹב (lo-tov, 'not good'). This Hebrew idiom for favoritism appears throughout Scripture (Leviticus 19:15, Deuteronomy 16:19). James 2:1-9 condemns partiality in the church; God Himself 'regardeth not persons' (Deuteronomy 10:17).
For for a piece of bread that man will transgress (וְעַל־פַּת־לֶחֶם יִפְשַׁע־גָבֶר, ve'al-pat-lechem yifsha-gaver)—the second line reveals the danger: for a mere פַּת לֶחֶם (pat lechem, 'piece of bread, morsel'), a man will פָּשַׁע (pasha, 'transgress, rebel, sin'). Once favoritism becomes habitual, judges and leaders can be bought for nothing. Corruption begins with small compromises; soon, justice is sold for trifles. Micah 7:3 laments: 'The prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a reward.'
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern legal systems struggled with judicial corruption—the powerful bribing judges to oppress the poor. Israel's law prohibited taking bribes (Exodus 23:8), yet the prophets constantly condemned corrupt judges (Isaiah 1:23, 5:23, Amos 5:12). This proverb exposes how small compromises lead to total corruption.
Reflection
- Where might you be showing partiality—favoring the wealthy, attractive, or influential over others?
- What 'small' compromises might be conditioning you to larger injustices?
- How can you cultivate the practice of treating all people with equal dignity, reflecting God's impartiality?
Cross-References
- Good: Proverbs 18:5, 24:23
- Parallel theme: Exodus 23:2, 23:8, Ezekiel 13:19