What is the meaning of Proverbs 28:21? To show partiality is not good “Partiality” is treating people differently based on appearance, status, wealth, or any external factor. Scripture repeatedly exposes this as sin. • Proverbs 24:23 echoes, “These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good.” • Leviticus 19:15 commands, “You shall not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great.” • James 2:1-9 warns believers that favoritism contradicts faith in Christ. Why is it “not good”? Because God Himself “does not show favoritism” (Deuteronomy 10:17; Acts 10:34) and calls His people to reflect His character. Whenever we favor one person over another, we misrepresent the impartial Judge of all the earth (1 Peter 1:17) and damage community by replacing justice with preference. yet That small word signals a tragic tension: people know partiality is wrong, yet it still happens. It reminds us of the war inside every human heart—truth on one side, temptation on the other (Romans 7:15-24). Even good teaching and clear commandments don’t automatically guarantee obedience; we need transformed hearts (Ezekiel 36:26) and daily reliance on the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). a man will do wrong for a piece of bread Hunger, desperation, or even the lure of a trivial gain can tip a person into sin. • Proverbs 6:30 concedes, “Men do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger.” • Esau traded his birthright “for a single meal” (Genesis 25:29-34; Hebrews 12:16). • False prophets in Ezekiel 13:19 profaned God “for handfuls of barley and scraps of bread.” The point: it takes very little to corrupt justice when the heart is unguarded. Bribes do not have to be large; lack of contentment and trust in God’s provision opens the door (1 Timothy 6:6-10; Philippians 4:11-13). The verse calls believers to: • Guard integrity even under pressure. • Care for the needy so desperation does not drive them into wrongdoing (Proverbs 14:31; James 2:15-17). • Seek God first, trusting His promise that “all these things will be added” (Matthew 6:33). summary Proverbs 28:21 holds a mirror to the human heart. God’s standard is clear: partiality is never good, never excusable. Yet the smallest incentive—or the gnawing ache of hunger—can push a person to abandon that standard. The verse urges us to reject favoritism, rely on God’s provision, and cultivate integrity that cannot be bought, even “for a piece of bread.” |
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