Proverbs 28:21

21 To ¹show partiality * is not good, ²Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.

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 He who tills his land will have plenty of food, But he who follows empty pursuits will have poverty in plenty.

20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who makes haste to be rich will not go unpunished.

21 To show partiality is not good, Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.

22 A man with an evil eye hastens after wealth And does not know that want will come upon him.

23 He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor Than he who flatters with the tongue.

Cross References

• 1. Proverbs 24:23
• 2. Ezekiel 13:19

Footnotes

• [a] Lit "regard the face"