A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.

PROVERBS 17:23KJV
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Proverbs 17:23 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 17:23 mean?

Proverbs 17:23 warns that a corrupt person secretly accepts a bribe in order to twist justice and make unfair decisions. The verse points out that hidden gifts are used to influence judgment in ways that are dishonest and harmful.

This proverb is part of a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to Solomon, offering practical guidance about right and wrong behavior. The verse addresses the reality of corruption in society, highlighting how private bribes can undermine fairness in legal or personal disputes. The focus is on the danger of allowing personal gain to interfere with doing what is right.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 17:23

  • "wicked" (רָשָׁע, rashaʿ): This word describes someone who is morally wrong or guilty, emphasizing that the person taking the bribe is not just mistaken but acting with bad intent.
  • "gift" (שֹׁחַד, shochad): This term often means a bribe, not just any present, specifically pointing to something given to sway a decision unfairly.
  • "bosom" (חֵיק, cheq): This word refers to the fold of a garment or the chest area, suggesting the bribe is taken secretly, hidden from public view.
  • "pervert" (נָטָה, natah): This verb means to bend or turn aside, showing that the purpose of the bribe is to twist or distort justice, not simply to make a mistake.

Why Proverbs 17:23 matters

  • Proverbs 17:23 clarifies that corruption is not always obvious; it often happens in secret, making it harder to detect and address.
  • The verse emphasizes that accepting bribes is not just a minor fault but a serious act that destroys the foundation of justice.
  • By highlighting the hidden nature of bribery, the proverb connects to a broader biblical theme of integrity and the importance of honest leadership in society.

Where else these words appear

“gift” Hebrew H7810 · used in 21 verses

  • Exodus 23:8 And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.
  • 2 Kings 16:8 And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and sent it for a present to the king of Assyria.
  • Proverbs 21:14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.

“bosom” Hebrew H2436 · used in 34 verses

  • Genesis 16:5 And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the LORD judge between me and thee.
  • 1 Kings 3:20 And she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom.
  • Proverbs 21:14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.

“ways” Hebrew H734 · used in 58 verses

  • Genesis 18:11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.
  • Psalms 25:10 All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
  • Proverbs 5:6 Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them.