Bible Strands
Proverbs 17:23
A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The wisdom writer addresses a student or ruler within a collection of practical instructions, placing this warning between verses on emotional health and spiritual focus.
The words — The phrase מֵ֭/חֵיק (Me./cheik) literally means "from the bosom," describing a bribe concealed on the body, paired with רָשָׁ֣ע (ra.Sha') for the wicked actor.
The thread — This prohibition runs parallel to Exodus 23:8 and Deuteronomy 16:19, which both forbid bribes for blinding sight and twisting justice, and connects to Proverbs 17:8 on the bribe's deceptive success.
Why it lands — The text demands the immediate rejection of hidden payments that distort legal outcomes.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
Cross-references
- Exodus 23:8 Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous.
- Deuteronomy 16:19 Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.
- Proverbs 17:8 A bribe is a charm to its giver; wherever he turns, he succeeds.
- Micah 7:3 Both hands are skilled at evil; the prince and the judge demand a bribe. When the powerful utters his evil desire, they all conspire together.
- Isaiah 1:23 Your rulers are rebels, friends of thieves. They all love bribes and chasing after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, and the plea of the widow never comes before them.
- 1 Samuel 8:3 But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside toward dishonest gain, accepting bribes and perverting justice.
- 1 Samuel 12:3 Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Tell me, and I will restore it to you.”
- Proverbs 18:16 A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.
- Proverbs 21:14 A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath.
- Ezekiel 22:12 In you they take bribes to shed blood. You engage in usury, take excess interest, and extort your neighbors. But Me you have forgotten, declares the Lord GOD.