Proverbs 18:5 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 18:5 mean?

Proverbs 18:5 says it is wrong to show favoritism to wicked people or to use judgment to harm those who are righteous. The verse warns against corrupt decisions that support the guilty and hurt the innocent.

This proverb is part of the wisdom sayings collected by King Solomon, aimed at teaching fair and upright living. The setting is a courtroom or a place of judgment, where leaders or judges might be tempted to favor someone evil or twist justice against someone good. The verse stresses that true justice does not bend for the sake of powerful or wicked people.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 18:5

• The word "good" (טוֹב, tov) means something that is morally right or beneficial. Here, it highlights that accepting the wicked is not just unwise, but truly wrong.
• "Accept" (נָשָׂא, nasa) often means to lift up or show favor toward someone. In this context, it points to giving special treatment or showing partiality.
• "Person" (פָּנִים, panim) literally means "face," and is often used for showing favoritism or regarding someone’s status.
• "Wicked" (רָשָׁע, rasha) describes someone who is guilty or morally corrupt, not just someone who has made a mistake.
• "Overthrow" (נָטָה, natah) carries the sense of bending or turning aside, especially twisting justice away from what is right.
• "Righteous" (צַדִּיק, tsaddiq) refers to someone who is innocent or upright in character.
• "Judgment" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) means a legal decision or the process of justice.

Why Proverbs 18:5 matters

• This verse clarifies that justice is not just about following rules, but about refusing to let personal bias or corruption influence decisions.
• Proverbs 18:5 highlights the danger of twisting justice, which can destroy trust in leaders and the legal system.
• The proverb fits into a larger biblical theme that God values fairness and hates partiality, reminding readers that true wisdom means standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult.