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Study this verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 18:5.
This justly condemns those who, being employed in the administration of justice, pervert judgment, 1. By conniving at men's crimes, and protecting and countenancing them in oppression and violence, because of their dignity, or wealth, or some personal kindness they have for them. Whatever excuses men may make for it, certainly it is not good thus to accept the person of the wicked; it is an offence to God, an affront to justice, a wrong to mankind, and a real service done to the kingdom of sin and Satan. The merits of the cause must be regarded, not the person. 2. By giving a cause against justice and equity, because the person is poor and low in the world, or not of the same party or persuasion, or a stranger of another country. This is overthrowing the righteous in judgment, who ought to be supported, and whom God will make to stand.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
“It is not good to admire those who are impious,” even though one of them has an important position or covers up what is right with persuasive speech. To admire the behavior of the impious is to sanction iniquity inspired by the devil.
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Summary
Proverbs 18:5 delivers a profound and unequivocal condemnation of judicial corruption, asserting that it is morally reprehensible and fundamentally "not good" to show favoritism or partiality toward the wicked. Such an act inevitably leads to the perversion of justice, resulting in the unjust condemnation or disadvantage of the righteous in legal proceedings. This proverb underscores the critical importance of impartiality, integrity, and adherence to truth as cornerstones for a just society and a reflection of divine righteousness.
Context
Literary Context
Proverbs 18:5 is situated within the "Proverbs of Solomon" (Proverbs 10:1–22:16), a section of the book characterized by individual, often antithetical, sayings that offer practical wisdom for daily life. This particular verse contributes to the pervasive theme of justice and righteousness that runs throughout the book of Proverbs. The wisdom literature consistently champions equitable judgment, warning against bribery, favoritism, and the abuse of power, often contrasting the outcomes for the righteous and the wicked. The immediate context of Proverbs 18 frequently addresses themes related to the power of words, the nature of fools, and the importance of wise counsel, making this proverb a vital reminder for those who speak, judge, or hold authority, emphasizing the moral consequences of their actions in the public square.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israel, the administration of justice was not merely a secular function but a sacred duty, deeply rooted in the covenant relationship between God and His people. Judges, elders, and community leaders were considered instruments of God's justice, tasked with upholding His righteous standards. Judicial proceedings often took place at the city gates, a public and accessible venue, underscoring the community's stake in fair and transparent judgment. The phrase "to accept the person" (Hebrew: nasa' panim) was a widely understood idiom for showing partiality or deference based on social status, wealth, or personal connections, rather than on the objective merits of a case. Such favoritism was explicitly and repeatedly forbidden in Mosaic Law, as seen in passages like Deuteronomy 1:17 and Leviticus 19:15, highlighting its gravity as a societal and spiritual offense against God's commanded order.
Key Themes
This proverb powerfully articulates several foundational themes central to biblical wisdom and theology. Firstly, it champions impartiality in judgment, a non-negotiable requirement for true justice, directly reflecting God's own character as one who "shows no partiality and accepts no bribe" (Deuteronomy 10:17). Secondly, it warns against the severe consequences of perverting justice, where favoritism towards the wicked inevitably leads to the oppression and "overthrow" of the innocent. This subversion of justice is consistently condemned as an abomination to the Lord, as echoed in Proverbs 17:15, which states that "He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the Lord." 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 sacred duty to uphold truth and righteousness.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term, translated as "good," possesses a rich semantic range encompassing what is beautiful, pleasant, prosperous, beneficial, and morally right. In the negative construction "not good," as used here, it signifies that the action described is morally wrong, harmful, undesirable, and contrary to God's intended order for human flourishing and justice. It denotes a deviation from what is proper and just in both a divine and human sense.
This verb literally means "to lift" or "to carry." When combined with "person" (Hebrew, pânîym'), it forms the idiomatic expression "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 stands in direct opposition to treating all parties equally before the law.
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, be defeated, or be unjustly condemned in a legal setting. It implies a deliberate distortion of justice that leads to the unjust disadvantage or ruin of the innocent, turning the proper course of judgment aside.
Verse Breakdown
"It is not good to accept the person of the wicked"
This opening clause establishes a clear and emphatic moral condemnation. It is inherently wrong, detrimental, and contrary to divine wisdom to show preferential treatment, bias, or undue favor toward individuals who are morally corrupt or guilty, especially within the context of administering justice. Such an act fundamentally compromises the very foundation of fairness and truth.
"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 and destructive result is that the innocent—those who are righteous in their cause—are unjustly condemned, defeated, or deprived of their rights and due process within the legal system. This highlights the destructive ripple effect of judicial corruption, where the perversion of justice against one party directly harms and victimizes another.
Literary Devices
Proverbs 18:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. Antithesis is central to its construction, starkly contrasting the "wicked" with the "righteous" and implicitly contrasting what is "not good" with what is truly good and just. This sharp 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 and disregarding impartiality. Furthermore, the verse clearly demonstrates cause and effect, 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, illustrating the inevitable and devastating outcome of judicial corruption. The use of strong, declarative language ("It is not good") lends an admonitory and didactic tone, emphasizing the gravity and timeless importance 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 consistently 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). This proverb, 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 profound 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.
Reflection and Application
While Proverbs 18:5 directly addresses the conduct of judges and legal proceedings, its profound 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 deep and unwavering 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 and withhold premature judgment; and as members of a community, to advocate for justice for all, especially the marginalized and voiceless. 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 inadvertently "overthrowing the righteous" (or 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, unpopular, or personally inconvenient.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is this verse only about judges and legal settings?
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).
Why is "accepting the person of the wicked" so bad?
"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 and perfect righteousness, 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; Acts 17:31). Yet, in an astonishing act of divine love and grace, He also became the Lamb of God who "takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). He did not "accept the person of the wicked" in the sense of condoning sin or overlooking guilt, 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). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, 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.