Proverbs 18:5

5 To respect the person of the wicked so that the righteous loses that which is rightfully his is not good.

Proverbs 18:5 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 18:5

[It is] not good to accept the person of the wicked
For a judge to have respect to a wicked man in a cause before him, and to favour him, because he is a rich man, or a relation, or he has received some kindness from him; none of these things should have any influence upon him to overthrow the righteous in judgment:
though he may be a poor man and a stranger, and to whom the judge is under no private and personal obligation; yet justice ought to be done without any respect to persons; to do otherwise is not only not good, but very bad, very sinful and criminal; it is contrary to law and justice; it is doing injury to men, and is repugnant to the will of God, and offensive to him, ( Leviticus 19:15 ) .

Proverbs 18:5 In-Context

3 When the wicked comes, then comes also contempt, and with him who dishonours, reproach.

4 The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

5 To respect the person of the wicked so that the righteous loses that which is rightfully his is not good.

6 A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for strokes.

7 A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.