What is the meaning of Proverbs 24:23? These also are sayings of the wise • With this short phrase, the writer pauses to spotlight a fresh bundle of Spirit-breathed counsel, similar to Proverbs 22:17, “Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise.” • It reminds us that wisdom is cumulative: God keeps adding insight line upon line (Isaiah 28:10), and every new saying carries the same authority as the earlier ones. • By calling them “sayings of the wise,” Scripture invites teachable hearts—echoing Proverbs 1:5, “Let the wise listen and gain instruction.” To show partiality in judgment • “Partiality” pictures tilting the scales for someone because of status, wealth, or personal connection. God repeatedly forbids it: – Deuteronomy 1:17: “Do not show partiality in judgment; hear both small and great alike.” – Leviticus 19:15: “Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich.” – James 2:1–4 warns churches against honoring the rich man over the poor visitor. • Because every person bears God’s image (Genesis 1:27), justice must stay level. When we favor one face over another, we eclipse that truth and misrepresent the impartial Judge (Romans 2:11). is not good • Scripture doesn’t soften the verdict. Showing favoritism is never a harmless oversight; it is morally “not good,” an affront to God’s character. • Proverbs 28:21 echoes the same wording, underscoring the theme: “To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.” Even a tiny bribe corrupts judgment. • Unchecked partiality spreads—leaders who bend rules invite national decline (Micah 3:9–12), and families that excuse certain members sow division (Genesis 37). summary Proverbs 24:23 opens a new cluster of divinely inspired wisdom and wastes no time pinpointing a danger: favoritism. Justice that leans toward power, money, or familiarity betrays God’s own impartial nature. Whether in a courtroom, workplace, church, or home, the righteous path is clear—keep the scales level, because any tilt, however slight, “is not good.” |
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