Mishle 18:5

5 It is not tov to show partiality to the rashah, to subvert the tzaddik in mishpat.

Mishle 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 ) .

Mishle 18:5 In-Context

3 When the rashah cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with dishonor, cherpah (reproach, disgrace).

4 The devarim of a man’s mouth are deep mayim; the makor chochmah is a flowing stream.

5 It is not tov to show partiality to the rashah, to subvert the tzaddik in mishpat.

6 The sfatayim (lips) of a kesil enter into contention, and his peh (mouth) inviteth blows.

7 The peh (mouth) of a kesil is his undoing, and his sfatayim (lips) are the mokesh (snare) of his nefesh.