Proverbs 28:21

21 It is not good to have respect for a man's position: for a man will do wrong for a bit of bread.

Proverbs 28:21 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 28:21

To have respect of persons [is] not good, &c,
In courts of judicature, to give a cause or pass sentence in favour of a person, because he is rich, or is a relation, a friend, an acquaintance, or has done a kindness; and against another, because of the reverse, ( Leviticus 19:15 ) ( Deuteronomy 16:19 ) ; nor in religious assemblies, making a difference between the rich and the poor, ( James 2:1 James 2:2 ) ; this is not good in itself, nor productive of good effects, and cannot be well pleasing to God, who himself is no respecter of persons; for for a piece of bread [that] man will transgress;
the laws of God and men; having used himself to such unrighteous methods of proceeding, he will do any base action for a small gain, he will stick at nothing, and do it for anything; as Cato used to say of M. Coelius the tribune,

``that he might be hired, for a morsel of bread, to speak or hold his peace;''
see ( Ezekiel 13:19 ) .

Proverbs 28:21 In-Context

19 By ploughing his land a man will have bread in full measure; but he who goes after good-for-nothing persons will be poor enough.
20 A man of good faith will have great blessing, but one attempting to get wealth quickly will not go free from punishment.
21 It is not good to have respect for a man's position: for a man will do wrong for a bit of bread.
22 He who is ever desiring wealth goes running after money, and does not see that need will come on him.
23 He who says words of protest to a man will later have more approval than one who says smooth words with his tongue.
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