Proverbs 17:23 A wicked man takes a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
This proverb offers a sobering picture of corruption and injustice, especially in legal or leadership contexts. It exposes how the moral decay of a wicked person expresses itself through secret dealings and a willingness to undermine truth and justice for personal gain.
The phrase “takes a gift out of the bosom” refers to the practice of secretly accepting a bribe. In ancient Eastern cultures, people commonly carried small personal items, such as money or documents, in the folds of their garments or pouches tucked inside their robes, close to the chest or bosom. This concealed method made it easier to exchange bribes quietly and without public notice.
Here, the “gift” is not a token of honour or generosity, but a bribe, a payment made to influence a person’s decisions unjustly. The wicked man accepts this gift covertly, and the purpose is clear: “to pervert the ways of judgment.” That is, he twists what is right, suppresses the truth, and manipulates outcomes, whether in a courtroom, a leadership role, or any position of influence.
Such actions are utterly opposed to God’s standards of righteousness and justice. Bribery corrupts both the giver and the receiver. It distorts fairness, undermines trust in institutions, and causes the innocent to suffer while the guilty go free. It replaces truth with favouritism and makes justice something to be bought rather than upheld.
The wicked man in this proverb does not just fall into sin; he intentionally accepts bribes and knowingly perverts judgment. His heart is not only dishonest but actively opposed to justice. This is why Scripture elsewhere repeatedly condemns bribes and warns that God detests such practices (see Ex. 23:8, Deut. 16:19, Isa. 5:23).
The verse also serves as a warning to those in authority or decision-making roles: justice must be impartial, transparent, and based on truth, not influenced by hidden gifts, relationships, or fear of man. A society that tolerates bribery erodes its moral foundations and invites chaos.
In summary, this proverb highlights how deeply rooted and destructive corruption can be. It teaches us that true righteousness cannot be bought, and that leaders must act with integrity, even in secret, for God sees all and holds all accountable. The pursuit of justice demands upright hearts and clean hands, free from hidden gifts and impure motives.
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