Proverbs 17:23

What does Proverbs 17:23 mean?

A plain-English look at Proverbs 17:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

A wicked man receiveth a bribe out of the bosom, To pervert the ways of justice.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

A wicked man receiveth a bribe out of the bosom, To pervert the ways of justice.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

A sinner takes an offering out of his robe, to get a decision for himself in a cause.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

A bribe from the bosom the wicked taketh, To turn aside the paths of judgment.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

The wicked man taketh gifts out of the bosom, that he may pervert the paths of judgment.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

A wicked [man] taketh a gift out of the bosom, to pervert the paths of judgment.

Context

v.22A cheerful heart is a good medicine; But a broken spirit drieth up the bones.

v.23This passage

v.24Wisdom is before the face of him that hath understanding; But the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Micah 7:3

    Their hands are upon that which is evil to do it diligently; the prince asketh, and the judge is ready for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth the evil desire of his soul: thus they weave it together.

  • Isaiah 1:23

    Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves; every one loveth bribes, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.

  • 1 Samuel 12:3

    Here I am: witness against me before Jehovah, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I taken a ransom to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you.

  • Deuteronomy 16:19

    Thou shalt not wrest justice: thou shalt not respect persons; neither shalt thou take a bribe; for a bribe doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.

  • Ezekiel 22:12

    In thee have they taken bribes to shed blood; thou hast taken interest and increase, and thou hast greedily gained of thy neighbors by oppression, and hast forgotten me, saith the Lord Jehovah.

  • Proverbs 21:14

    A gift in secret pacifieth anger; And a present in the bosom, strong wrath.

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