Proverbs 18:5

5 To ¹show partiality * to the wicked is not good, Nor to ²thrust aside the righteous in judgment.

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 a wicked man comes, contempt also comes, And with dishonor comes scorn.

4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

5 To show partiality to the wicked is not good, Nor to thrust aside the righteous in judgment.

6 A fool's lips bring strife, And his mouth calls for blows.

7 A fool's mouth is his ruin, And his lips are the snare of his soul.

Cross References

• 1. Leviticus 19:15; Deuteronomy 1:17; Deuteronomy 16:19; Psalms 82:2; Proverbs 17:15; Proverbs 24:23; Proverbs 28:21
• 2. Exodus 23:2, 6; Proverbs 17:26; Proverbs 31:5; Micah 3:9