These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.

PROVERBS 24:23KJV
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Proverbs 24:23 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 24:23 mean?

Proverbs 24:23 teaches that wise people recognize it is wrong to show favoritism when making judgments. The verse warns that justice should not be influenced by personal preferences or the status of those involved.

This proverb is part of a collection of wise sayings, likely gathered by Solomon or his scribes, and is directed to anyone who seeks wisdom, especially leaders and judges. The verse highlights the importance of fairness and integrity in decision-making, reminding readers that true wisdom rejects partiality.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 24:23

  • "wise" (חָכָם, ḥākām): This word refers to those who are skilled in living according to God’s ways, not just people with knowledge. The verse addresses those who want to live wisely, especially in leadership or judging roles.
  • "respect" (נָכַר, nākar) and "persons" (פָּנִים, pānîm): Together, these words describe the act of recognizing or favoring someone based on their appearance, status, or identity. The phrase means showing partiality or favoritism, which the proverb says is not good in judgment.
  • "judgment" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpāṭ): This word means a legal decision or verdict. The verse is specifically about making fair decisions, especially in a legal or leadership context.

Why Proverbs 24:23 matters

  • Proverbs 24:23 clears up the idea that wisdom always leads to fair treatment, emphasizing that even wise people must guard against favoritism.
  • The verse connects to the broader biblical theme of justice, showing that God values fairness and impartiality in all decisions.
  • This proverb reminds readers that true wisdom is not just about knowledge, but about acting with integrity, especially when others are affected by our choices.

Where else these words appear

“respect” Hebrew H5234 · used in 47 verses

  • Genesis 27:23 And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau's hands: so he blessed him.
  • Ruth 2:19 And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. And she shewed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The man's name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz.
  • Job 21:29 Have ye not asked them that go by the way? and do ye not know their tokens,

“wise” Hebrew H2450 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 41:8 And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.
  • Proverbs 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:16 For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.