Bible Strands
Proverbs 24:23
These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The text presents these lines as a continuation of teachings attributed to the wise, placed immediately after a warning about sudden destruction and before a statement on the social consequences of excusing the guilty. It functions as a direct ethical injunction within a structured collection of practical maxims.
The words — The Hebrew phrase הַכֵּר פָּנִים (ha-kēr pānîm) literally means "to regard faces" or "to show partiality." It is coupled with בַּל־טוֹב (bal-tôv), which the text directly declares "not good."
The thread — The text's prohibition against biased judgment runs through Proverbs 18:5 and Proverbs 28:21, and James 3:17 links impartial fairness to the pure, gentle character of heavenly wisdom.
Why it lands — The text commands that legal and moral evaluations must rest solely on the facts of the case, explicitly rejecting favoritism. It requires readers to apply identical standards of fairness to every party, regardless of status or relationship.
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
These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 28:21 To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
- Proverbs 18:5 Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice.
- James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.
- Leviticus 19:15 You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly.
- 2 Chronicles 19:7 And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”
- Psalms 82:2 “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah
- Psalms 107:43 Let him who is wise pay heed to these things and consider the loving devotion of the LORD.
- Proverbs 1:6 by understanding the proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.
- John 7:24 Stop judging by outward appearances, and start judging justly.”
- Deuteronomy 1:17 Show no partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be intimidated by anyone, for judgment belongs to God. And bring to me any case too difficult for you, and I will hear it.”