Proverbs 28:21

21 It is not good to show partiality^[a]- yet a man may sin for a piece 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 The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.

20 A faithful man will have many blessings, but one in a hurry to get rich will not go unpunished.

21 It is not good to show partiality- yet a man may sin for a piece of bread.

22 A greedy man is in a hurry for wealth; he doesn't know that poverty will come to him.

23 One who rebukes a person will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue.

Footnotes

• [a] Pr 24:23