Proverbs 17:23
Proverbs 17:23 in Multiple Translations
A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice.
A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
A wicked man receiveth a bribe out of the bosom, To pervert the ways of justice.
A sinner takes an offering out of his robe, to get a decision for himself in a cause.
The wicked take hidden bribes to pervert the course of justice.
A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosome to wrest the wayes of iudgement.
A bribe from the bosom the wicked taketh, To turn aside the paths of judgment.
A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, to pervert the ways of justice.
A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
The wicked man taketh gifts out of the bosom, that he may pervert the paths of judgment.
Wicked people/judges accept bribes that are given to them secretly, and as a result they do not decide matters justly/fairly.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 17:23
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 17:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שֹׁ֣חַד
מֵ֭/חֵיק
רָשָׁ֣ע
יִקָּ֑ח
לְ֝/הַטּ֗וֹת
אָרְח֥וֹת
מִשְׁפָּֽט
שֹׁ֣חַד
shachad
H7810
bribe
N-ms
מֵ֭/חֵיק
chêyq
H2436
bosom
Prep | N-ms
רָשָׁ֣ע
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
יִקָּ֑ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לְ֝/הַטּ֗וֹת
nâṭâh
H5186
to stretch
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
אָרְח֥וֹת
ʼôrach
H734
way
N-cp
מִשְׁפָּֽט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 17:23
שֹׁ֣חַד
shachad
H7810
"bribe"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a gift given to influence someone, often in a wrong way. It can also mean a present or reward, like in 1 Samuel 1:18 where Hannah gives a gift to Eli. The word is about giving something to get something in return.
Definition: present, bribe
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: bribe(-ry), gift, present, reward. See also: Exodus 23:8; Psalms 26:10; Psalms 15:5.
מֵ֭/חֵיק
chêyq
H2436
"bosom"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for bosom refers to the chest area, often used figuratively to describe a close or intimate relationship, as seen in the KJV translations of bosom, lap, or midst.
Definition: : embrace/chest bosom, hollow, bottom, midst
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: bosom, bottom, lap, midst, within. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 79:12; Psalms 35:13.
רָשָׁ֣ע
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
יִקָּ֑ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
לְ֝/הַטּ֗וֹת
nâṭâh
H5186
"to stretch"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.
אָרְח֥וֹת
ʼôrach
H734
"way"
N-cp
A way or path, describing a road or journey, whether physical or metaphorical. This term is used to talk about travel, direction, and life's journey, often in wisdom literature and prophetic writings. It is found in books like Proverbs and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) way, path 1a) path, road 1b) the path, way, passing of life (fig.) 1c) way of living (fig.) 1d) traveller, wayfarer (meton) Aramaic equivalent: o.rach (אֹ֫רַח "way" H0735)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: manner, path, race, rank, traveller, troop, (by-, high-) way. See also: Genesis 18:11; Proverbs 1:19; Psalms 8:9.
מִשְׁפָּֽט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
Study Notes — Proverbs 17:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 17:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 17:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 17:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 17:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 17:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 17:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 17:23
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 17:23
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 17:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 17:23
- Sermons on Proverbs 17:23
Context — Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness
21A man fathers a fool to his own grief; the father of a fool has no joy.
22A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.
23A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice.
24Wisdom is the focus of the discerning, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth. 25A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 17:8 | A bribe is a charm to its giver; wherever he turns, he succeeds. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 16:19 | Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. |
| 3 | Exodus 23:8 | Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous. |
| 4 | Micah 7:3 | Both hands are skilled at evil; the prince and the judge demand a bribe. When the powerful utters his evil desire, they all conspire together. |
| 5 | Isaiah 1:23 | Your rulers are rebels, friends of thieves. They all love bribes and chasing after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, and the plea of the widow never comes before them. |
| 6 | Micah 3:11 | Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets practice divination for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, “Is not the LORD among us? No disaster can come upon us.” |
| 7 | Proverbs 21:14 | A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 22:12 | In you they take bribes to shed blood. You engage in usury, take excess interest, and extort your neighbors. But Me you have forgotten, declares the Lord GOD. |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 12:3 | Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Tell me, and I will restore it to you.” |
| 10 | Proverbs 18:16 | A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men. |
Proverbs 17:23 Summary
This verse warns us about the danger of taking secret bribes or favors that can influence our decisions unfairly. When we do this, we are being dishonest and unfair, and it can hurt others and damage our relationships. As it says in Proverbs 10:9, 'Whoever walks in integrity walks securely', and in Psalm 15:5, 'He who does not put out his money at interest, and who does not take a bribe against the innocent' - we are called to live with integrity and honesty, and to trust in God's provision and guidance. By doing so, we can build trust and respect with others, and live with a clear conscience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'subvert the course of justice' in Proverbs 17:23?
To subvert the course of justice means to corrupt or undermine the fair and impartial application of the law, as seen in Deuteronomy 16:19, where it warns against taking bribes to pervert justice.
Is it always wrong to accept a gift or favor from someone?
While gifts and favors can be a natural part of relationships, Proverbs 17:23 highlights the danger of accepting something in secret, with the intention of influencing a decision unfairly, as also warned against in Exodus 23:8.
How can we recognize and avoid the temptation to take a 'covert bribe' in our own lives?
We can recognize this temptation by being mindful of our motivations and the potential consequences of our actions, and by seeking to live with integrity and transparency, as encouraged in Psalm 26:1 and Proverbs 10:9.
What is the root issue that leads someone to take a covert bribe?
The root issue is often a heart motivated by selfish gain and a lack of fear of God, as seen in Proverbs 17:23, where it describes the person taking the bribe as 'wicked', highlighting the spiritual dimension of this issue, as also discussed in Romans 3:10-18.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways might I be tempted to compromise my integrity or values for personal gain, and how can I resist this temptation?
- How can I ensure that my decisions and actions are guided by a desire to do what is right, rather than by personal interest or gain?
- What are some practical steps I can take to promote fairness and justice in my own sphere of influence, whether at work, in my community, or in my relationships?
- In what ways can I demonstrate a commitment to transparency and accountability in my own life, and how can this impact those around me?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 17:23
A wicked [man] taketh a gift out of the bosom,.... Of another, of a rich man, who takes it out from thence, and offers it to him as a bribe.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 17:23
A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 17:23
A wicked man, whether judge or witness. Out of the bosom; in secret, as this phrase is expounded, , being privily conveyed from the bosom of the giver into his own bosom. To pervert the ways of judgment; to give or procure an unjust sentence.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 17:23
Proverbs 17:23 A wicked [man] taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.Ver. 23. A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom,] i.e., Closely and covertly, as if neither God nor man should see him. The words may be also read thus: ‘ He,’ - that is, the corrupt judge - ‘ taketh a gift out of the wicked man’ s bosom’ ; there being never a better of them, as Solomon intimateth by this ambiguous expression. Rain is good, and ground is good, yet ex eorum coniunctione fit lutum. So giving is kind, and taking is courteous; yet the mixing of them makes the smooth paths of justice foul and uneven. Stapleton.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 17:23
(23) A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom.—Or rather, receives it. “From the bosom” signifies the folds of the dress in which the bribe was concealed, ready to be slipped into the judge’s hand whose favour was to be bought.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 17:23
Verse 23. A gift out of the bosom] Out of his purse; as in their bosoms, above their girdles, the Asiatics carry their purses. I have often observed this.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 17:23
23. out of the bosom] i.e. the fold of the garment in which it had been concealed; denoting the stealthy action either of the suitor who proffers, or more probably of the judge who receives the bribe. Comp. Proverbs 21:14.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 17:23
The words “out of the bosom,” from the fold of the garment, rather than from the bag or girdle in which money was usually carried, possibly point to the stealthiness with which the “gift” (or, bribe) is offered to the judge.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 17:23
23. A gift — A bribe. Out of the bosom — The Asiatics carry their purse in their bosom above their girdle. To pervert the ways of judgment — To deflect, turn aside, or influence, the course of a judicial decision.
Sermons on Proverbs 17:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Leadership Manual by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of delegation in leadership. They highlight that true leadership cannot exist without delegating tasks to others. The speaker |
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Zion's Foundations, Windows, Gates and Boarders by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the precious promises of God, emphasizing that these promises are exceedingly great and precious to the church of God only in specific circumstances whe |
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Deferred Obedience 2 - Part 3 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon addresses the issue of dishonesty and corruption, highlighting the consequences of cheating and unethical practices, especially during times of crisis. It emphasizes th |
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(Isaiah) the Glory of the Messiah’s Reign by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of unfairness and exploitation in society. He condemns those who take advantage of the weak and vulnerable, such as the poor, widow |
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Signs Seen, and Not Seen by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches on the lamentation of not seeing the signs of God's favor, highlighting the importance of recognizing outward marks of God's presence and grace upon the soul. |
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The Prophecy of Micah by Oswald J. Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the fulfillment of predictions made by prophets regarding the destruction of Jerusalem. The speaker highlights that these predictions were lit |
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Letter of Resignation From the Church of England by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot's letter of resignation from the Church of England in 1835 reveals his deep conviction and struggle with the corruption and worldly practices within the Church. He exp |