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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Proverbs 28:21
What does Proverbs 28:21 mean?
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Proverbs 28:21
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The shocking truth here isn't just that judges can be bribed, but that the initial offense of showing favoritism, even slightly, sets a person on a slippery slope. This verse reveals that once we start compromising our integrity for perceived status or advantage, even the smallest temptation—a mere "piece of bread"—becomes enough to lead us into deeper wrongdoing.
To show partiality is not good, but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb appears in the latter part of Proverbs, a section that often deals with wisdom for life and leadership. It follows verses that lament the downfall of the wicked and celebrate the perseverance of the righteous, setting the stage for practical advice on maintaining integrity. The verse speaks directly to the corrupting influence of greed, warning that even a small bribe can cause someone to abandon justice and righteousness, a principle that continues to be tested in the verses that follow.
Ever seen someone favor a friend or a VIP, even when it's unfair? The Bible calls this out directly, and it's a serious issue, especially when justice is on the line.
The verse starts with a strong declaration: 'To show partiality is not good.' This isn't just about being unfair in a casual way; it's about corrupting the very foundation of justice. When judges or leaders favor people based on who they are—their wealth, status, or relationship—instead of the truth of the situation, they are twisting what is right. This kind of favoritism is condemned because God Himself is impartial. He treats everyone according to His perfect standards, not according to their position or connections.
What would it take for you to compromise your integrity? This proverb warns that even the smallest 'payoff' can lead to serious wrongdoing.
The second part of the verse hits hard: 'but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.' This highlights how easily integrity can be compromised. 'A piece of bread' was a symbol of something very small, of extreme poverty, or a meager bribe. The point is that when someone has already allowed partiality into their heart, they can be swayed to do terrible things for almost nothing. It shows a profound corruption where justice, truth, and even one's soul can be 'sold' for trivial gain. This isn't just about judges; it's a warning for all of us about how the slippery slope of sin starts with small compromises.
Understand the original words
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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 echoes the proverb's warning, explicitly stating, 'You shall not show partiality in judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor.'
James 2:1-4James picks up this theme in the New Testament, condemning favoritism within the church, showing how partiality, even for the wealthy, is a sin that God judges.
Ezekiel 13:19This verse highlights the destructive consequences of false prophecy driven by greed, linking the selling of souls 'for handfuls of barley and pieces of bread' to the spiritual ruin caused by unrighteous motives, mirroring the proverb's idea of trivial gain leading to transgression.
1 Samuel 12:3When Samuel defends his integrity as a leader, he challenges the Israelites to find any wrongdoing, particularly concerning bribery or favoritism, underscoring the ideal of impartial justice that Proverbs 28:21 warns against violating.
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…
The shocking truth here isn't just that judges can be bribed, but that the initial offense of showing favoritism, even slightly, sets a person on a slippery slope. This verse reveals that once we start compromising our integrity for perceived status or advantage, even the smallest temptation—a mere "piece of bread"—becomes enough to lead us into deeper wrongdoing.
This proverb appears in the latter part of Proverbs, a section that often deals with wisdom for life and leadership. It follows verses that lament the downfall of the wicked and celebrate the perseverance of the righteous, setting the stage for practical advice on maintaining integrity. The verse speaks directly to the corrupting influence of greed, warning that even a small bribe can cause someone to abandon justice and righteousness, a principle that continues to be tested in the verses that follow.
This proverb appears in the latter part of Proverbs, a section that often deals with wisdom for life and leadership. It follows verses that lament the downfall of the wicked and celebrate the perseverance of the righteous, setting the stage for practical advice on maintaining integrity. The verse speaks directly to the corrupting influence of greed, warning that even a small bribe can cause someone to abandon justice and righteousness, a principle that continues to be tested in the verses that follow.
"To show partiality is not good, but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong." — The shocking truth here isn't just that judges can be bribed, but that the initial offense of showing favoritism, even slightly, sets a person on a slippery slope. This verse reveals that once we sta…
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Last reviewed October 2026