Proverbs 6:35

35 he will not accept compensation; he'll refuse every bribe, no matter how large.

Proverbs 6:35 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 6:35

He will not regard any ransom
So that his case is much worse than, a thief's; if he is taken, he makes restitution according to law, and he is freed, and no more is said and done to him; and, at most, it is but parting with all the goods in his house; but in this case it will not do. In the Hebrew text it is, "he will not accept the face of any ransom" ^F26; that is, as the Targum paraphrases it,

``he will not accept the face of anyone that gives a gift:''

he will have no respect unto him for the sake of the gift; whatever gift is offered, be it what it will, for the ransom of his life from death, it will be disregarded; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts;
increase them, and keep continually giving; nothing but the life of the adulterer will satisfy him, which he will either take away himself, or obtain it in a way of legal prosecution. How foolish therefore is the man that will expose his name and credit, his health and substance, his life in this world, and his soul in another, to utter ruin, for the sake of gratifying a sordid lust! This may be interpreted of God, who is a jealous God in matters of worship, and will not suffer idolatry to go unpunished, which is spiritual adultery.

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FOOTNOTES:

F26 (ynp avy al) "non accipiet facies", Montanus; "non acceptabit faciem ullius redemptionis", Mercerus, Gejerus; "ullius lytri", Cocceius, Michaelis, Schultens.

Proverbs 6:35 In-Context

33 He will get nothing but blows and contempt, and his disgrace will not be wiped away.

34 For jealousy drives a man into a rage; he will show no mercy when he takes revenge;

35 he will not accept compensation; he'll refuse every bribe, no matter how large.