Proverbs 28:21
To show partiality is not good, but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This proverb isn't just about judges; it highlights how a compromised conscience makes even the smallest bribe or personal gain irresistible. It warns that once we start bending the rules for anything, we become cheap enough to be bought for practically nothing.
This proverb comes as part of a larger section in Proverbs encouraging wisdom and integrity, contrasting it with folly and wickedness. It follows verses discussing the righteous, the wicked, and the consequences of their actions, and precedes further advice on living wisely and righteously. The verse highlights how easily even those in positions of judgment can be swayed by small incentives, leading them to compromise justice and morality for personal gain.
What does it mean to show 'partiality,' and why is it so detrimental, especially in matters of justice?
Proverbs 28:21 starts with a strong statement: 'To show partiality is not good.' This isn't just about being unfair; it's about a fundamental corruption of how things should be. When we show partiality, we're prioritizing a person's status, relationship, or wealth over the truth or the actual merits of a situation. In the context of justice, this means a judge might rule in favor of a friend or a wealthy individual, ignoring the facts of the case. It's the opposite of God's own character, who is no respecter of persons.
This favoritism can creep into all areas of life, not just courtrooms. It can look like giving a promotion to a less qualified but well-connected colleague, or overlooking a friend's bad behavior simply because you like them. The verse warns that this practice is inherently 'not good' because it twists what is right and just.
How can 'a piece of bread' lead someone to betray their conscience and do wrong?
The second part of the verse delivers a sobering reality: 'for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.' This highlights the insidious nature of sin. It suggests that once a person starts down the path of compromising their integrity – perhaps by accepting a small bribe or bending the rules for personal gain – they become vulnerable to even greater transgressions.
The 'piece of bread' is a metaphor for a very small, almost insignificant gain. It implies that a conscience that has been dulled or bought once can be swayed for the smallest of rewards. The danger lies in the beginning: allowing a small compromise can desensitize you, making it easier to commit larger wrongs later. It's a slippery slope where integrity erodes bit by bit, leading to the selling of justice, and ultimately, one's own soul.
Understand the original words
panim nasa' · Hebrew Verb phrase
The act of showing favoritism or bias, often in a judicial or interpersonal setting, which violates the biblical principle of equality and justice before God.
pesha' · Hebrew Noun
An immoral or unethical act; a transgression or departure from God's standard of righteousness.
This passage directly commands against partiality in judgment, stating, 'You shall not show favor to the poor in his lawsuit.' It highlights the divine standard of justice that Proverbs 28:21 echoes, emphasizing that favoritism is inherently wrong.
James 2:1-9This New Testament passage powerfully illustrates the sin of favoritism in the early church, showing how favoring the rich and neglecting the poor directly contradicts God's law and the spirit of true faith. It demonstrates the practical, damaging consequences of the very partiality condemned in Proverbs.
Ezekiel 13:19This prophetic passage speaks of false prophets who 'profane me among my people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread,' selling spiritual truth for paltry gains. It shares the proverb's theme of corrupting integrity for insignificant rewards, extending it to spiritual matters.
Matthew 6:24Jesus' teaching that 'No one can serve two masters... You cannot serve God and money' resonates deeply with Proverbs 28:21. It warns against the divided loyalties that lead people to compromise their values and act unjustly for material gain, even small amounts.
pooleProverbs 28:21: "To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress."
When a man hath once vitiated his conscience, and accustomed himself to take bribes, a very small advantage will make him sell justice, and his own soul into the bargain. The design of the proverb is to warn men to take heed of the beginnings of that sin, and consequently of other sins.
pulpitProverbs 28:21: "To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress."
Verse 21. - The first hemistich occurs a little fuller in Proverbs 24:23, referring there, as here, to the administration of justice. For for a piece of bread that man will transgress. Thus translated, this clause confirms the former, and says that a judge given to favouritism will swerve from right under the smallest temptation. But to bribe a judge with a morsel of bread seems an unli…
This proverb isn't just about judges; it highlights how a compromised conscience makes even the smallest bribe or personal gain irresistible. It warns that once we start bending the rules for anything, we become cheap enough to be bought for practically nothing.
This proverb comes as part of a larger section in Proverbs encouraging wisdom and integrity, contrasting it with folly and wickedness. It follows verses discussing the righteous, the wicked, and the consequences of their actions, and precedes further advice on living wisely and righteously. The verse highlights how easily even those in positions of judgment can be swayed by small incentives, leading them to compromise justice and morality for personal gain.
This proverb comes as part of a larger section in Proverbs encouraging wisdom and integrity, contrasting it with folly and wickedness. It follows verses discussing the righteous, the wicked, and the consequences of their actions, and precedes further advice on living wisely and righteously. The verse highlights how easily even those in positions of judgment can be swayed by small incentives, leading them to compromise justice and morality for personal gain.
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"To show partiality is not good, but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong." — This proverb isn't just about judges; it highlights how a compromised conscience makes even the smallest bribe or personal gain irresistible. It warns that once we start bending the rules for anythin…
