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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 17:23.
See here, 1. What an evil thing bribery is: He is a wicked man that will take a gift to engage him to give a false testimony, verdict, or judgment; when he does it he is ashamed of it, for he takes it, with all the secresy imaginable, out of the bosom where he knows it is laid ready for him; it is industriously concealed, and so slyly that, if he could, he would hide it from his own conscience. A gift is taken out of the bosom of a wicked man (so some read it); for he is a bad man that gives bribes, as well as he that takes them. 2. What a powerful thing it is. It is of such force that it perverts the ways of judgment. The course of justice is not only obstructed, but turned into injustice; and the greatest wrongs are done under colour of doing right.
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Summary
Proverbs 17:23 offers a stark condemnation of the insidious practice of bribery, revealing the clandestine methods employed by the wicked to corrupt the very foundations of justice. It exposes how a morally depraved individual secretly offers or accepts an illicit "gift" with the explicit intent of twisting legal or ethical judgments, thereby perverting the course of truth and righteousness. This proverb serves as a timeless and potent warning against the profound societal and spiritual dangers of illicit influence undermining the integrity of fair judgment.
Context
Literary Context
Proverbs 17 is situated within the larger collection of "the proverbs of Solomon" (Proverbs 10:1-22:16), which primarily offers practical wisdom for righteous living and maintaining societal order. This chapter frequently contrasts the character and outcomes of the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked. Proverbs 17:23 specifically addresses the perversion of justice, a theme that recurs throughout the book, often alongside warnings against deceit, pride, and contention. It immediately follows a proverb on the healing power of a cheerful heart (Proverbs 17:22) and precedes one on the value of a wise servant (Proverbs 17:24), underscoring the broader emphasis on discerning character and the consequences of moral choices within the community. The proverb's placement highlights how individual moral failure, such as bribery, can profoundly impact the collective well-being and the integrity of communal institutions.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israel, the administration of justice was a cornerstone of societal stability and a reflection of God's character. Legal disputes were typically resolved by elders and judges at the city gate, a public and highly visible forum. The Mosaic Law unequivocally and repeatedly condemned bribery, recognizing its devastating potential to undermine equity and truth. Passages such as Exodus 23:8 and Deuteronomy 16:19 explicitly forbid the taking of bribes, stating that they "blind the eyes of the discerning and twist the words of the righteous." The phrase "out of the bosom" (חֵיק, chêyq) is culturally significant, referring to the folds of a garment, which served as a convenient, hidden pocket. This imagery vividly portrays the clandestine and often personal nature of bribery in a society where such transactions were meant to be concealed from public view and official scrutiny, emphasizing the illicit and deceptive character of the act.
Key Themes
Proverbs 17:23 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the Corruption of Justice, illustrating how external, illicit influence can subvert the impartial and fair administration of law, turning right into wrong and truth into falsehood. This directly challenges the divine standard of justice, which demands equity for all. The proverb also highlights the Moral Character of the Wicked, attributing such corrupt acts to an inherently unrighteous individual whose inner disposition is aligned with evil. This reinforces the biblical teaching that actions flow from the heart, as seen in Proverbs 4:23. Furthermore, it underscores the Insidious Nature of Sin, particularly the secrecy and deception inherent in bribery, as conveyed by the "bosom" imagery. This aligns with the wisdom literature's frequent warnings against hidden evil and the commendation of transparency and integrity, a theme found in verses like Proverbs 10:9. Ultimately, the proverb implicitly reinforces the theme of Divine Accountability and Consequences, suggesting that such perversion of justice will not go unpunished in God's morally ordered universe.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term (H7563) denotes someone who is morally wrong, an actively bad person, or ungodly. It signifies a character fundamentally alienated from God's righteousness, prone to actions that violate divine and human moral standards. In this context, it identifies the perpetrator of corruption as one whose inner disposition is aligned with evil, making them willing to pervert justice for personal gain or malicious intent.
While literally meaning a donation or present (H7810), in the context of "to pervert the ways of judgment," this term unequivocally refers to a bribe. It is a venal offering, given not out of generosity or legitimate exchange, but with the corrupt purpose of influencing a decision or outcome, thereby distorting fairness and integrity in a legal or ethical process.
This primitive root (H5186) means to stretch or spread out, but by implication, it means to bend away, including moral deflection. When applied to "the ways of judgment," it signifies twisting, distorting, or making crooked what should be straight, righteous, and impartial. It denotes a deliberate act of subverting truth and justice, leading to an unfair, biased, or unrighteous outcome that deviates from the established path of equity.
Verse Breakdown
"A wicked [man] taketh a gift out of the bosom"
This initial clause immediately identifies the agent of corruption as a "wicked man," establishing his moral depravity and inherent inclination toward unrighteousness. The phrase "taketh a gift out of the bosom" vividly portrays the clandestine and secretive nature of the transaction. The "bosom" (חֵיק, chêyq) refers to the fold of a garment, a hidden place where one might conceal something or from which one might discreetly retrieve an item. This imagery powerfully emphasizes the stealth, underhandedness, and illicit character of the bribe, highlighting that such corruption often operates in the shadows, avoiding public scrutiny and accountability.
"to pervert the ways of judgment"
This second clause reveals the malevolent and destructive purpose behind the "gift." The infinitive "to pervert" (נָטָה, nâṭâh) signifies twisting, distorting, or making crooked what should be straight. "The ways of judgment" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpâṭ) refers to the established paths, principles, and processes of justice, righteousness, and legal decisions. The wicked man's intention is not merely to gain a personal advantage but to fundamentally corrupt the entire judicial or ethical process, bending justice away from its true, impartial course and ensuring an outcome that is unfair, biased, or unlawful. This act undermines the very foundation of societal order, divine law, and the trust necessary for a just community.
Literary Devices
Proverbs 17:23 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message against corruption. The most prominent is Metonymy, where "bosom" (חֵיק, chêyq) stands for the hidden, intimate, and often secretive nature of the transaction. This implies a lack of transparency and an underhanded motive, suggesting that corruption thrives in concealment. The phrase "pervert the ways of judgment" uses striking Figurative Language to describe the distortion of justice, likening it to making a straight path crooked. This vivid imagery emphasizes the moral bending and twisting of what should be upright, impartial, and true. The proverb also employs Antithesis (or implicit contrast), setting the "wicked man" and his corrupt actions against the implied ideal of righteous judgment and integrity. This common rhetorical strategy in Proverbs highlights the two distinct paths of life and their inherent consequences.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Proverbs 17:23 profoundly articulates a core biblical principle: the absolute necessity of justice and the severe condemnation of anything that corrupts it. The perversion of judgment through bribery is not merely a social ill but a grave theological offense, as it directly contradicts God's own character, who is righteous and just in all His ways. This verse underscores that true justice must be impartial, accessible to all, and untainted by personal gain or influence. It reveals that the heart of the wicked is bent on self-interest, even at the expense of truth and equity, thereby demonstrating a fundamental rebellion against divine order and the well-being of the community. The "gift" in this context is not an act of generosity but an instrument of sin, designed to manipulate and destroy the very fabric of righteousness that God desires for His people, leading to oppression and societal decay.
Reflection and Application
Proverbs 17:23 serves as a timeless mirror, reflecting the persistent human temptation to corrupt justice for personal gain and warning us against its devastating consequences. In an age where influence and power can often be bought, and where ethical lines are frequently blurred, this proverb calls us to a higher standard of integrity, both personally and corporately. It challenges us to examine our own hearts for any inclination to "take a gift out of the bosom"—whether a literal bribe, an unfair advantage, a subtle manipulation of facts, or even a biased judgment—that might pervert truth or fairness in our interactions. As followers of Christ, we are called to be agents of righteousness, upholding justice in our spheres of influence, resisting the allure of illicit gain, and speaking out against corruption wherever it may appear. This includes advocating for transparent systems, holding leaders accountable, and ensuring that the "ways of judgment" in our homes, workplaces, and communities remain straight, untainted, and reflective of God's character.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "taketh a gift out of the bosom" mean literally and figuratively?
Literally, "taketh a gift out of the bosom" refers to the act of a person reaching into the fold of their garment (the "bosom" or "lap," Hebrew: chêyq), which often served as a hidden pocket or carrying place, to either retrieve or receive a "gift" (Hebrew: shachad). Figuratively, this imagery powerfully conveys the clandestine, secretive, and underhanded nature of the transaction. It implies that the "gift" is not an open, legitimate offering but a hidden payment—a bribe—given or received in secret to avoid public scrutiny and to facilitate a corrupt act. This highlights the deceptive and illicit character of the exchange, emphasizing that corruption thrives in the shadows, away from the light of truth and accountability, as referenced in John 3:20.
Why is bribery considered so wicked in the Bible?
Bribery is considered profoundly wicked in the Bible because it directly attacks the very foundation of justice, which is a core attribute of God Himself. God is portrayed as perfectly just and righteous, and He commands His people to reflect His character in their legal and social systems. Bribery perverts judgment (as seen in Deuteronomy 16:19), blinds the eyes of the discerning (Exodus 23:8), and leads to the oppression of the innocent and the poor, who cannot afford to pay bribes. It undermines social order, creates inequality, and ultimately brings God's judgment upon a nation or individual. Prophets like Isaiah and Amos frequently condemned leaders and judges who accepted bribes, equating it with grave sin and a departure from the covenant relationship with God.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Proverbs 17:23, with its stark warning against the perversion of justice through bribery, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb exposes the depth of human corruption and the insidious nature of sin, Christ embodies perfect righteousness and absolute justice. He is the one who never "took a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment," but rather, in His earthly ministry, consistently upheld truth, defended the oppressed, and condemned hypocrisy and injustice, as seen in His righteous anger when cleansing the temple from those who profited from corruption (Matthew 21:12-13). On the cross, Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice, not to pervert justice, but to satisfy it perfectly, bearing the full judgment for humanity's sin so that all who believe in Him might be declared righteous through faith (Romans 3:23-26). He is the righteous judge who will one day return to establish perfect justice, where there will be no more corruption or perversion of truth, and every hidden thing will be brought into the light (Acts 17:31 and Luke 12:2). Thus, in Christ, the "ways of judgment" are not merely restored but eternally perfected, offering hope for a world free from the wickedness of bribery and all forms of injustice.