These also are sayings of the wise. Partiality in judging is not good.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 24:23
What does Proverbs 24:23 mean?
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Proverbs 24:23
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This verse is more than just a warning against unfair judgment; the phrase "belong to the wise" suggests that truly wise people possess and practice impartiality. It’s not merely a rule they know, but a characteristic that defines their very nature.
These also are sayings of the wise. Partiality in judging is not good.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verses leading up to this point have focused on practical wisdom for daily living, but here, the text signals a new collection of sayings attributed to wise individuals. The immediate focus shifts to the crucial role of justice, warning against the corrupting influence of partiality in legal matters. Following this, the passage will starkly contrast the negative outcomes of showing favoritism with the rewards of true, impartial righteousness.
Ever wonder who wisdom is for? This verse tells us it's not just for a select few, but for anyone aiming to live a good life.
The opening phrase, "These things also belong to the wise," signals that the proverbs that follow are not just clever sayings, but practical guides for living a life of understanding and discernment. This isn't about having a high IQ; it's about actively seeking to understand God's ways and apply them.
Judging fairly seems obvious, right? But this verse calls out a specific, subtle trap that undermines justice.
The core message is a clear warning: 'Partiality in judging is not good.' This isn't just about judges in a courtroom; it applies to any situation where we evaluate or make decisions about others.
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Understand the original words
hakker panim · Hebrew Noun phrase
Showing favor or bias toward one party over another, particularly in a legal or moral context, which undermines justice and equity.
This passage directly commands Israel not to show partiality in judgment, emphasizing that justice must be based on righteousness, not on a person's status.
Deuteronomy 1:17Moses reiterates the command against partiality, explaining that the judge's duty is to hear both sides equally and to pass judgment based on what is right, not influenced by fear or favor of individuals.
James 2:1James connects showing favoritism in worship gatherings to holding 'partialities' and acting on 'evil reasoning,' highlighting that true faith doesn't discriminate based on wealth or status.
Romans 2:11Paul states clearly that God shows no favoritism, underscoring that the principle of impartial judgment is a divine standard that all humans will be held to.
pooleProverbs 24:23: "These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment."
These things also, these proverbs or counsels here following to the end of the chapter, no less than those hitherto mentioned, belong to the wise; are worthy of the consideration, and fit for the use, of them who are or would be wise; for only such are capable of understanding and improving these proverbs, as was noted, Proverbs 1:5-7 , and elsewhere. To have respect of persons in judg…
jfbProverbs 24:23: "These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment."
- These … wise—literally, "are of the wise," as authors (compare "Psalms of David," Hebrew). "These" refers to the verses following, Pr 24:24-34.to have respect—literally, "to discern faces," show partiality,
This verse is more than just a warning against unfair judgment; the phrase "belong to the wise" suggests that truly wise people possess and practice impartiality. It’s not merely a rule they know, but a characteristic that defines their very nature.
The verses leading up to this point have focused on practical wisdom for daily living, but here, the text signals a new collection of sayings attributed to wise individuals. The immediate focus shifts to the crucial role of justice, warning against the corrupting influence of partiality in legal matters. Following this, the passage will starkly contrast the negative outcomes of showing favoritism with the rewards of true, impartial righteousness.
The verses leading up to this point have focused on practical wisdom for daily living, but here, the text signals a new collection of sayings attributed to wise individuals. The immediate focus shifts to the crucial role of justice, warning against the corrupting influence of partiality in legal matters. Following this, the passage will starkly contrast the negative outcomes of showing favoritism with the rewards of true, impartial righteousness.
"These also are sayings of the wise.
Partiality in judging is not good." — This verse is more than just a warning against unfair judgment; the phrase "belong to the wise" suggests that truly wise people *possess* and *practice* impartiality. It’s not merely a rule they know…
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Last reviewed October 2026