Proverbs 18:5

KJV

¶ [It is] not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

KJV (with Strong's)

It is not good {H2896} to accept {H5375} the person {H6440} of the wicked {H7563}, to overthrow {H5186} the righteous {H6662} in judgment {H4941}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It is not good to be partial to the guilty and thus deprive the innocent of justice.

Berean Standard Bible

Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice.

American Standard Version

To respect the person of the wicked is not good, Norto turn aside the righteous in judgment.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 18:5 delivers a profound warning against the perversion of justice, asserting that it is morally reprehensible to show favoritism towards the wicked, especially when such partiality leads to the condemnation or disadvantage of the righteous in legal proceedings. This proverb underscores the foundational importance of impartiality and integrity in judgment for the well-being and moral fabric of any society, highlighting the devastating consequences when truth and fairness are compromised.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 18:5 is situated within the "Proverbs of Solomon" (Proverbs 10:1–22:16), a collection of wise sayings primarily focused on practical wisdom for daily living. This particular verse contributes to the broader thematic concern of justice and righteousness that permeates the book. Proverbs frequently contrasts the way of the righteous with the way of the wicked, and it consistently champions equitable judgment, warning against bribery, favoritism, and the abuse of power. It stands as a timeless principle within a larger body of instruction designed to guide individuals and leaders toward a life that honors God and promotes societal flourishing. The immediate context of Proverbs 18 often deals with the power of words, the nature of fools, and the importance of wise counsel, making this verse a crucial reminder for those who speak or act in judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, justice was not merely a secular affair but a divine mandate, deeply intertwined with the covenant relationship between God and His people. Judges, elders, and leaders were seen as instruments of God's justice, responsible for upholding His righteous standards in the community. Courts often convened at city gates, accessible to all, and the integrity of these proceedings was paramount for maintaining social order and reflecting God's character. The concept of "accepting the person" (Hebrew: *nasa' panim*) was a well-understood idiom for showing partiality or deference based on status, wealth, or personal connections, rather than on the merits of the case. Such behavior was explicitly forbidden in Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 1:17](/deuteronomy/1-17 "Deuteronomy 1:17 - Impartiality in Judgment") and [Leviticus 19:15](/leviticus/19-15 "Leviticus 19:15 - Justice for All")), underscoring its gravity as a societal and spiritual offense.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes found throughout the wisdom literature and the Old Testament. Firstly, it emphasizes **impartiality in judgment**, a non-negotiable requirement for true justice, reflecting God's own character as one who "shows no partiality" ([Deuteronomy 10:17](/deuteronomy/10-17 "Deuteronomy 10:17 - God's Impartiality")). Secondly, it highlights the severe consequences of **perverting justice**, where favoritism towards the guilty inevitably leads to the oppression and "overthrow" of the innocent. This subversion of justice is consistently condemned as an abomination to the Lord (e.g., [Proverbs 17:15](/proverbs/17-15 "Proverbs 17:15 - Justifying the Wicked and Condemning the Just")). Thirdly, the proverb implicitly calls for **moral integrity** from those in positions of authority, urging them to resist the powerful temptations of bias, bribery, or social pressure that could compromise their duty to uphold truth and righteousness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This word, translated as "good," carries a broad semantic range, encompassing what is beautiful, pleasant, prosperous, and morally right or beneficial. In the negative construction "not good," it signifies that the action described is morally wrong, harmful, undesirable, and contrary to God's design for human flourishing. It implies a deviation from what is proper and just in a divine and human sense.
* **accept (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** This verb means "to lift" or "to carry." When combined with "person" (Hebrew, _pânîym'_), it forms the idiom "to lift up the face" or "to accept the person." This idiom denotes showing undue deference, partiality, or favoritism to someone, often implying that a person's status, wealth, or a bribe influences the judgment rather than the objective facts of a case. It is the opposite of treating all parties equally before the law.
* **overthrow (Hebrew, _nâṭâh'_):** This primitive root means "to stretch or spread out," but by implication, it can mean "to bend away," "to pervert," or "to cause to yield." In this context, it vividly describes the act of causing the righteous to fall or be defeated in a legal setting. It implies a deliberate distortion of justice that leads to the unjust condemnation or disadvantage of the innocent, turning the proper course of judgment aside.
* **judgment (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** This comprehensive term refers to a verdict, a sentence, a formal decree, or the act of judging itself. It also encompasses the broader concepts of justice, law, and a person's rights or privileges. Here, it specifically denotes the legal process or judicial setting where decisions are made, emphasizing that the perversion occurs precisely within the arena meant to uphold justice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It is not good to accept the person of the wicked":** This clause establishes a clear moral condemnation. It is inherently wrong and detrimental to show preferential treatment or bias toward individuals who are morally corrupt or guilty, particularly in a context where justice is being administered. Such an act compromises the very foundation of fairness.
* **"to overthrow the righteous in judgment":** This second clause reveals the inevitable and disastrous consequence of the first. When partiality is shown to the wicked, the direct result is that the innocent—the righteous—are unjustly condemned, defeated, or deprived of their rights within the legal system. This highlights the destructive ripple effect of judicial corruption, where the perversion of justice against one party directly harms another.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 18:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Antithesis** is central, contrasting the "wicked" with the "righteous" and implicitly contrasting what is "not good" with what is truly good and just. This stark opposition highlights the moral chasm between perverted justice and divine righteousness. The phrase "to accept the person" is a powerful **idiom** (Hebrew: *nasa' panim*), which vividly communicates the act of showing partiality, literally "lifting up the face" of one party over another, thereby granting them undue favor. Furthermore, the verse uses **cause and effect** implicitly, where the act of accepting the wicked's person directly leads to the "overthrow" of the righteous. This logical progression serves as a stark warning, demonstrating the inevitable outcome of judicial corruption. The use of strong, declarative language ("It is not good") lends an **admonitory** tone, emphasizing the gravity of the principle being taught.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 18:5 resonates deeply with the biblical emphasis on justice as a core attribute of God and a foundational principle for human society. God Himself is portrayed as the ultimate impartial Judge, who "executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing" ([Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God's Justice for the Vulnerable")). This verse, therefore, calls humanity, particularly those in positions of authority, to reflect God's own character in their dealings. The perversion of justice, as condemned here, is not merely a social ill but a theological offense, an affront to the divine order and the very nature of righteousness. It highlights that true wisdom involves aligning one's actions with God's perfect standard of fairness, ensuring that the vulnerable are protected and that truth prevails over personal bias or external pressure.

* [Deuteronomy 1:17](/deuteronomy/1-17 "Judicial Impartiality Commanded")
* [Leviticus 19:15](/leviticus/19-15 "Do Not Show Partiality in Judgment")
* [James 2:9](/james/2-9 "Partiality as Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Proverbs 18:5 directly addresses the conduct of judges and legal proceedings, its wisdom extends far beyond the courtroom, challenging us to examine our own hearts and actions in every sphere of life. This verse calls us to cultivate a profound commitment to impartiality and fairness in all our interactions. As parents, we must strive to treat our children equitably; as employers, to evaluate employees based on merit, not favoritism; as friends, to listen objectively before forming opinions; and as members of a community, to advocate for justice for all, especially the marginalized. We are challenged to recognize and confront our own unconscious biases—those subtle inclinations that might cause us to "accept the person" of some while "overthrowing the righteous" (or even simply the less favored) in our judgments, conversations, or decisions. Living out this proverb means actively seeking truth, defending the vulnerable, and ensuring that our actions consistently reflect a commitment to righteousness, even when it is difficult or unpopular.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life, personal or professional, might I be prone to showing partiality or "accepting the person" of certain individuals over others?**
* **How might my biases, conscious or unconscious, inadvertently "overthrow the righteous" or disadvantage those who deserve fair treatment?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to cultivate a greater commitment to impartiality, truth, and justice in my sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**Is this verse only about judges and legal settings?**

Answer: While Proverbs 18:5 is rooted in the context of judicial and legal proceedings common in ancient Israel, its underlying principle of impartiality and the condemnation of favoritism are universal. The wisdom of Proverbs often uses specific scenarios to illustrate broader truths about righteous living. Therefore, while it directly applies to those in formal positions of judgment, its message extends to anyone who makes decisions, exercises authority, or influences outcomes in any capacity—whether in family, business, education, or community leadership. The New Testament similarly warns against partiality in the church, demonstrating the timeless and broad applicability of this principle (e.g., [James 2:1-4](/james/2-1-4 "James 2:1-4 - Warning Against Partiality")).

**Why is "accepting the person of the wicked" so bad?**

Answer: "Accepting the person of the wicked" is condemned because it fundamentally undermines the very essence of justice and truth. When those in authority show favoritism to the guilty, it perverts the legal system, allowing wrongdoing to go unpunished and often leading to the unjust suffering or condemnation of the innocent. This creates a society where integrity is devalued, trust is eroded, and chaos can ensue. From a biblical perspective, such an act is an abomination because it directly contradicts God's righteous character and His demand for fairness and equity among His people. It prioritizes personal gain or social status over divine standards of justice, leading to moral decay and societal breakdown.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 18:5, with its demand for impartial justice, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb condemns showing partiality to the wicked, Christ, in His divine wisdom, uniquely bridges the gap between God's perfect justice and humanity's inherent wickedness. He is the righteous Judge who will one day judge the living and the dead with absolute impartiality ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - Jesus as Judge"); [Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Will Judge the World Through Jesus")). Yet, in an astonishing act of divine love, He also became the Lamb of God who "takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). He did not "accept the person of the wicked" in the sense of condoning sin, but rather, in His perfect righteousness, He bore the judgment due to the unrighteous, so that those who believe in Him might be declared righteous before God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ "overthrew" the power of sin and death, not the righteous, but the very forces that sought to condemn humanity. Believers, therefore, are called to embody Christ's impartial love and justice, reflecting His character in a world prone to favoritism and injustice, knowing that in Him, true and perfect justice has been both demonstrated and secured.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 19:15

Ye 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.

Deuteronomy 16:19

Thou 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.

Proverbs 28:21

¶ To have respect of persons [is] not good: for for a piece of bread [that] man will transgress.

Psalms 82:2

How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.

Proverbs 17:15

¶ He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both [are] abomination to the LORD.

Proverbs 24:23

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

Isaiah 5:23

Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!