Proverbs 24:23-25
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The text emphasizes that "partiality in judging is not good," but the original wording hints at something deeper: it's not good to "discern faces." This means judges shouldn't be swayed by outward appearances, like wealth or status, but must look at the truth of the matter itself.
These also are sayings of the wise. Partiality in judging is not good. Whoever says to the wicked, “You are in the right,” will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations, but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, and a good blessing will come upon them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse introduces a new collection of wisdom sayings, distinct from the preceding ones and potentially attributed to other wise individuals. It immediately launches into a crucial principle for righteous living: judging fairly, without showing favoritism to the rich or poor, or to friends and strangers alike. The following verses will expound on the severe consequences of such partiality and the blessings that come from true justice.
Ever wondered if the Bible's wisdom is just for kings or judges? This verse reminds us that profound truths are woven into everyday life.
The opening phrase, 'These also are sayings of the wise,' acts like a signpost. It tells us that the verses that follow, all the way to the end of the chapter, aren't just random thoughts. They are seasoned advice, carefully collected and deemed essential for anyone seeking to live wisely. This collection includes wisdom for all sorts of people, not just those in positions of power. It's a reminder that practical wisdom is accessible and applicable to everyone who desires it, regardless of their status.
We often think of injustice as grand, dramatic events. But sometimes, the most damaging unfairness happens in small, subtle ways.
The core of this verse is a direct warning: 'Partiality in judging is not good.' The original language uses a phrase that means 'to discern faces' or 'to look upon the face.' This paints a vivid picture of a judge who doesn't see the truth of the situation, but instead sees the social standing, wealth, or appearance of the people involved. Favoring one person over another in judgment—whether it's in a courtroom, a classroom, or even a family discussion—is fundamentally flawed. It twists justice and damages the integrity of the one judging and the community they serve.
Understand the original words
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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.
rasha' · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
An individual who lives in defiance of God's law. In wisdom literature, it denotes someone who lacks divine wisdom and pursues paths that lead away from righteousness.
arar · Hebrew Verb
To be declared under divine condemnation or sentence of judgment. It is the opposite of being blessed and signifies being cut off from divine favor.
yakach · Hebrew Verb
To express strong disapproval or correction of someone's sinful behavior. It is a necessary act in biblical community to call others to repentance and righteous living.
berakah · Hebrew Noun
The favor, prosperity, and spiritual well-being that God bestows upon those who follow His ways. It is the antithesis of a curse.
This foundational Law of Moses explicitly commands against showing partiality in judgment, emphasizing that justice must be based on righteousness, not on the status of the person.
Deuteronomy 1:17Moses reiterates the command against partiality in judgment, reminding Israel that judgments belong to God and that judges must be impartial, whether dealing with the strong or the weak.
James 2:1-9James directly confronts favoritism within the early church, showing how treating the rich better than the poor is a form of partiality that violates the royal law of love and undermines faith.
Romans 2:11Paul underscores God's impartiality, stating that there is no favoritism with God and that He will repay each person according to their deeds, highlighting the divine standard for justice.
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,
The text emphasizes that "partiality in judging is not good," but the original wording hints at something deeper: it's not good to "discern faces." This means judges shouldn't be swayed by outward appearances, like wealth or status, but must look at the truth of the matter itself.
This verse introduces a new collection of wisdom sayings, distinct from the preceding ones and potentially attributed to other wise individuals. It immediately launches into a crucial principle for righteous living: judging fairly, without showing favoritism to the rich or poor, or to friends and strangers alike. The following verses will expound on the severe consequences of such partiality and the blessings that come from true justice.
This verse introduces a new collection of wisdom sayings, distinct from the preceding ones and potentially attributed to other wise individuals. It immediately launches into a crucial principle for righteous living: judging fairly, without showing favoritism to the rich or poor, or to friends and strangers alike. The following verses will expound on the severe consequences of such partiality and the blessings that come from true justice.
"These also are sayings of the wise.
Partiality in judging is not good. Whoever says to the wicked, “You are in the right,”
will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations, but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight,…" — The text emphasizes that "partiality in judging is not good," but the original wording hints at something deeper: it's not good to "discern faces." This means judges shouldn't be swayed by outward ap…
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Last reviewed October 2026