Proverbs 18:5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment. 

‘It is not good.’ This phrase may sound understated in English, but in Hebrew thought, “not good” (lo-tov) carries strong moral and ethical weight. It implies something is unacceptable, corrupt, and harmful to society, especially in matters of justice.

‘To accept the person of the wicked.’ This is a Hebrew idiom meaning to show partiality or favouritism. Literally, it means to “lift up the face” of someone, a reference to the ancient practice where judges would show bias by recognising someone’s status, wealth, or influence. In this case, the wicked (Hebrew: rashaʿ), those who live in rebellion against righteousness, are being given favour, perhaps due to bribery, power, or prestige.

‘To overthrow the righteous in judgment.’ This line completes the injustice: favouring the wicked results in the oppression of the righteous. To “overthrow” them in judgment means to pervert justice, turning a just verdict on its head. The very system designed to protect truth and innocence becomes a tool of corruption.

This proverb is a strong condemnation of judicial corruption and moral compromise. When those in power show partiality to the wicked, it destroys justice and harms the innocent. The verse holds both judges and society accountable for fairness, equity, and moral courage.

For anyone in a leadership position: Do not be swayed by wealth, influence, or relationships. Uphold righteousness at all costs. For Society: Resist systems that reward corruption and punish the just. Advocate for the integrity of law and protection of the innocent. For Personal Conduct: In daily decisions and relationships, do not show favouritism, especially when it comes at the expense of truth or justice.

True justice cannot coexist with favouritism. Any society, courtroom, or individual life that elevates the wicked and suppresses the righteous is on a path of moral decay. Proverbs 18:5 calls us to a higher standard, where truth, not power or position, determines what is right.

Proverbs 17:26 Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.

The second part – “nor to strike princes for equity” – speaks to a broader principle about leadership and order. The term “princes” refers to rulers, judges, or those in positions of authority. The word “strike” can be understood literally (physical harm or rebellion) or figuratively (slander, opposition, or unjust removal). The key phrase is “for equity” meaning, for doing what is right and fair.

In other words, when leaders or officials act with fairness and justice, it is evil to oppose or attack them for it. This can occur when a just judge is overthrown for making an unpopular but right decision. A godly leader is slandered because they uphold truth. A ruler is punished for defending the weak or confronting corruption. This is not just a personal attack; it is an assault on equity itself. When upright leaders are punished for doing right, society encourages cowardice, corruption, and mob rule.

In summary, this proverb teaches two key principles: Injustice against the innocent undermines all justice. Attacking righteous leadership for doing good leads to moral and civic disorder.

Together, they emphasise that a healthy society depends on protecting the righteous and honouring those who uphold equity. Injustice and anarchy may appear powerful in the short term, but they never produce peace, prosperity, or the common good.

Proverbs 17:26 Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity. 

This proverb offers a clear and powerful condemnation of injustice in both personal and public life. It affirms the principle that righteousness must be honoured and protected, whether in individuals or leaders. When society turns against the just and the upright, whether citizens or rulers, it strays into dangerous territory, where truth is undermined and chaos is given room to grow.

The first part – “to punish the just is not good” – is a moral absolute. It means that condemning, persecuting, or harming those who are innocent, honest, and law-abiding is not only wrong, but destructive to the very fabric of a just society. When the just are punished, it sends a message that integrity is worthless and evil is rewarded. Such injustice weakens trust in authority, erodes moral standards, and discourages righteousness in others. It’s a miscarriage of justice that invites long-term harm to individuals and the community alike.

This can happen in many forms: A truthful employee is penalised for honesty. A faithful believer is mocked or mistreated for their convictions. A fair citizen is wrongly accused, while the guilty go free. All these are forms of punishing the just, and Scripture calls it what it is: not good, a phrase which, though simple, expresses strong disapproval and moral judgment.

To be continued…