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Proverbs 17:23 A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice.
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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/17.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/17.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the course of justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/17.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The wicked take secret bribes to pervert the course of justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/17.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The wicked accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the ways of justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/17.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A wicked <i>man</i> taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A wicked <i>man</i> accepts a bribe behind the back To pervert the ways of justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A wicked person accepts a bribe from an inside pocket To pervert the ways of justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A wicked man receives a bribe from the bosom To pervert the ways of justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />A wicked man receives a bribe from the bosom To pervert the ways of justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />A wicked man receives a bribe from the bosom To thrust aside the paths of justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />A wicked man receives a bribe from the [hidden] pocket To pervert the ways of justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A wicked person secretly takes a bribe to subvert the course of justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A wicked man secretly takes a bribe to subvert the course of justice. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A wicked man receiveth a bribe out of the bosom, To pervert the ways of justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Crooks accept secret bribes to keep justice from being done. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom, to pervert the ways of judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A wicked person secretly accepts a bribe to corrupt the ways of justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Corrupt judges accept secret bribes, and then justice is not done. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The wicked man takes a bribe in secret in order to pervert the course of justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A wicked person receives a bribe secretly to pervert the ways of justice. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, to pervert the ways of justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, to pervert the ways of justice. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The wicked takes a bribe from the bosom, "" To turn aside the paths of judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A bribe from the bosom the wicked taketh, To turn aside the paths of judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The unjust one will take a gift from the bosom to turn, aside the paths of judgment.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The wicked man taketh gifts out of the bosom, that he may pervert the paths of judgment. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The impious receives gifts from the bosom, so that he may pervert the paths of judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />A guilty person takes out a bribe from the pocket, thus perverting the course of justice. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The wicked accept a concealed bribe to pervert the ways of justice.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He who accepts a bribe is wicked; for he perverts the way of justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He that takes a bribe is evil, for he turns the way of justice aside.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom, To pervert the ways of justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />The ways of a man who unjustly receives gifts in <i>his</i> bosom do not prosper; and an ungodly man perverts the ways of righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/17-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=3467" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/17.htm">Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7563.htm" title="7563: rā·šā‘ (Adj-ms) -- Wicked, criminal. From rasha'; morally wrong; concretely, an bad person.">A wicked man</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: yiq·qāḥ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">takes</a> <a href="/hebrew/2436.htm" title="2436: mê·ḥêq (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- Bosom. Or cheq; and chowq; from an unused root, apparently meaning to inclose; the bosom.">a covert</a> <a href="/hebrew/7810.htm" title="7810: šō·ḥaḏ (N-ms) -- A present, bribe. From shachad; a donation.">bribe</a> <a href="/hebrew/5186.htm" title="5186: lə·haṭ·ṭō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- A primitive root; to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away; used in a great variety of application.">to subvert</a> <a href="/hebrew/734.htm" title="734: ’ā·rə·ḥō·wṯ (N-cpc) -- A way, path. From 'arach; a well-trodden road; also a caravan.">the course</a> <a href="/hebrew/4941.htm" title="4941: miš·pāṭ (N-ms) -- Judgment. ">of justice.</a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>Wisdom is the focus of the discerning, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/23-8.htm">Exodus 23:8</a></span><br />Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/16-19.htm">Deuteronomy 16:19</a></span><br />Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-23.htm">Isaiah 5:23</a></span><br />who acquit the guilty for a bribe and deprive the innocent of justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/3-11.htm">Micah 3:11</a></span><br />Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets practice divination for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, “Is not the LORD among us? No disaster can come upon us.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/8-3.htm">1 Samuel 8:3</a></span><br />But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside toward dishonest gain, accepting bribes and perverting justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/26-10.htm">Psalm 26:10</a></span><br />in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/15-5.htm">Psalm 15:5</a></span><br />who lends his money without interest and refuses a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:7</a></span><br />Surely extortion turns a wise man into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/5-12.htm">Amos 5:12</a></span><br />For I know that your transgressions are many and your sins are numerous. You oppress the righteous by taking bribes; you deprive the poor of justice in the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-23.htm">Isaiah 1:23</a></span><br />Your rulers are rebels, friends of thieves. They all love bribes and chasing after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, and the plea of the widow never comes before them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-10.htm">1 Timothy 6:10</a></span><br />For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-23.htm">Matthew 23:23</a></span><br />Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-42.htm">Luke 11:42</a></span><br />Woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithes of mint, rue, and every herb, but you disregard justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without neglecting the former.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/8-18.htm">Acts 8:18-23</a></span><br />When Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money. / “Give me this power as well,” he said, “so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” / But Peter replied, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-1.htm">James 5:1-6</a></span><br />Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. / Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. / Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">A wicked man takes a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/17-8.htm">Proverbs 17:8</a></b></br> A gift <i>is as</i> a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/18-16.htm">Proverbs 18:16</a></b></br> A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/21-14.htm">Proverbs 21:14</a></b></br> A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/13-1.htm">Accepts</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-27.htm">Bosom</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-8.htm">Bribe</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-28.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-9.htm">Course</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-15.htm">Decision</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-8.htm">Gift</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-18.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-10.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-8.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-9.htm">Paths</a> <a href="/job/34-12.htm">Pervert</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-35.htm">Receives</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-8.htm">Receiveth</a> <a href="/psalms/109-29.htm">Robe</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-13.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-4.htm">Sinner</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-17.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-25.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-15.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/micah/7-3.htm">Accepts</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-24.htm">Bosom</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-14.htm">Bribe</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-6.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-12.htm">Course</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-5.htm">Decision</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-16.htm">Gift</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-1.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-5.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-16.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-5.htm">Paths</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-5.htm">Pervert</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-22.htm">Receives</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-11.htm">Receiveth</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-14.htm">Robe</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-6.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-26.htm">Sinner</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-5.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-1.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-3.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 17</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/17-1.htm">Contrasts between the Righteous and the Wicked</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/17.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>A wicked man</b><br>This phrase identifies the subject as someone morally corrupt or evil. In biblical terms, wickedness is often associated with those who reject God's laws and pursue their own sinful desires. The Bible frequently contrasts the wicked with the righteous, emphasizing the consequences of wickedness (<a href="/psalms/1-4.htm">Psalm 1:4-6</a>). The wicked are often depicted as those who oppose God's will and exploit others for personal gain.<p><b>takes a covert bribe</b><br>The act of taking a bribe is condemned throughout Scripture as it perverts justice and integrity (<a href="/exodus/23-8.htm">Exodus 23:8</a>, <a href="/deuteronomy/16-19.htm">Deuteronomy 16:19</a>). A bribe is typically a secretive transaction, indicating deceit and corruption. In ancient Israel, justice was a communal responsibility, and bribery undermined the social and legal order. The covert nature of the bribe suggests a deliberate attempt to hide wrongdoing, reflecting a heart that is not aligned with God's truth.<p><b>to subvert the course of justice</b><br>Justice is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting God's character as just and righteous (<a href="/isaiah/61-8.htm">Isaiah 61:8</a>). Subverting justice is a serious offense because it distorts truth and harms the community. The Hebrew legal system was designed to protect the innocent and punish the guilty, and any action that undermines this system is seen as an affront to God. This phrase highlights the destructive impact of sin on society, as it leads to chaos and suffering. The call for justice is echoed in the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized mercy, truth, and righteousness (<a href="/matthew/23-23.htm">Matthew 23:23</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/w/wicked_man.htm">Wicked Man</a></b><br>This refers to an individual who acts immorally or unjustly, often in opposition to God's laws. In the context of this verse, the wicked man is someone who accepts bribes, indicating a corrupt character.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/covert_bribe.htm">Covert Bribe</a></b><br>A secret or hidden payment given to influence someone's actions, particularly in a way that is dishonest or unethical. The term "covert" suggests deceit and a lack of transparency.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/course_of_justice.htm">Course of Justice</a></b><br>This phrase refers to the fair and impartial administration of the law. The wicked man's actions are aimed at undermining this process, leading to injustice.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_leadership.htm">Integrity in Leadership</a></b><br>Leaders and those in positions of authority must uphold justice and resist the temptation of bribes. Integrity is essential for maintaining trust and fairness in society.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_corrupting_power_of_money.htm">The Corrupting Power of Money</a></b><br>Money, when used unethically, can corrupt individuals and systems. Christians are called to be vigilant against the love of money, which can lead to all kinds of evil.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/transparency_and_accountability.htm">Transparency and Accountability</a></b><br>In both personal and professional life, transparency and accountability are crucial to prevent corruption. Christians should strive to live in the light, avoiding secretive and dishonest practices.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_justice.htm">The Importance of Justice</a></b><br>Justice is a core value in the Bible, reflecting God's character. Believers are encouraged to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, ensuring that their actions align with His standards.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_temptation.htm">Guarding Against Temptation</a></b><br>Everyone faces temptations, but Christians are called to stand firm and resist actions that would lead them away from God's will, including the temptation to accept or offer bribes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 17</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_bribes.htm">What does the Bible say about accepting bribes?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_chastity_show_spiritual_purity.htm">What does the Bible say about bribery?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_the_bible_define_perversion.htm">How does the Bible define perversion?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_bribery.htm">What does the Bible say about bribery?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) <span class= "bld">A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom.</span>--Or rather, <span class= "ital">receives it. </span>"From the bosom" signifies the folds of the dress in which the bribe was concealed, ready to be slipped into the judge's hand whose favour was to be bought.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A gift out of the</span> <span class="cmt_word">bosom</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> secretly from the fold of the garment, and not from the purse or bag wherein money was ostensibly carried. A corrupt judge "taketh," <span class="accented">i.e.</span> receives a bribe conveyed to him secretly (<a href="/proverbs/21-14.htm">Proverbs 21:14</a>). <span class="cmt_word">To pervert the ways of judgment.</span> The judges had no appointed salaries; hence the unprincipled among them were open to bribery. The strict injunctions of the Law, and the stern denunciations of the prophets, were alike ineffectual in checking corruption (see <a href="/exodus/23-8.htm">Exodus 23:8</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/16-19.htm">Deuteronomy 16:19</a>; <a href="/isaiah/1-23.htm">Isaiah 1:23</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/22-17.htm">Jeremiah 22:17</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/13-19.htm">Ezekiel 13:19</a>; <a href="/hosea/4-18.htm">Hosea 4:18</a>, etc.). Septuagint, "The man that receiveth gifts in his bosom unjustly, his ways shall not prosper." For, as Job avows (<a href="/job/15-34.htm">Job 15:34</a>), "Fire shall consume the tabernacles of bribery." The LXX. adds, "The impious turns aside from the ways of righteousness." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/17-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">A wicked [man]</span><br /><span class="heb">רָשָׁ֣ע</span> <span class="translit">(rā·šā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7563.htm">Strong's 7563: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wrong, an, bad person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">takes</span><br /><span class="heb">יִקָּ֑ח</span> <span class="translit">(yiq·qāḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a covert</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵ֭חֵיק</span> <span class="translit">(mê·ḥêq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2436.htm">Strong's 2436: </a> </span><span class="str2">The bosom</span><br /><br /><span class="word">bribe</span><br /><span class="heb">שֹׁ֣חַד</span> <span class="translit">(šō·ḥaḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7810.htm">Strong's 7810: </a> </span><span class="str2">A present, bribe</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to subvert</span><br /><span class="heb">לְ֝הַטּ֗וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(lə·haṭ·ṭō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5186.htm">Strong's 5186: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the course</span><br /><span class="heb">אָרְח֥וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·rə·ḥō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_734.htm">Strong's 734: </a> </span><span class="str2">A well-trodden road, a caravan</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of justice.</span><br /><span class="heb">מִשְׁפָּֽט׃</span> <span class="translit">(miš·pāṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4941.htm">Strong's 4941: </a> </span><span class="str2">A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/17-23.htm">Proverbs 17:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/17-23.htm">Proverbs 17:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/17-23.htm">Proverbs 17:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/17-23.htm">Proverbs 17:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/17-23.htm">Proverbs 17:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/17-23.htm">Proverbs 17:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/17-23.htm">Proverbs 17:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/17-23.htm">Proverbs 17:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/17-23.htm">Proverbs 17:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/17-23.htm">Proverbs 17:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/17-23.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 17:23 A wicked man receives a bribe (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/17-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 17:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 17:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/17-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 17:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 17:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>