Proverbs 18:5

5 It is not right to be partial to the guilty, or to subvert the innocent 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 wickedness comes, contempt comes also; and with dishonor comes disgrace.

4 The words of the mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a gushing stream.

5 It is not right to be partial to the guilty, or to subvert the innocent in judgment.

6 A fool's lips bring strife, and a fool's mouth invites a flogging.

7 The mouths of fools are their ruin, and their lips a snare to themselves.