Proverbs 18:5
To have respect for the person of the evil-doer is not good, or to give a wrong decision against the upright.
Bible in Basic English
In The King James Version
It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
In Context
4The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters: the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream.
6A foolish man's lips are a cause of fighting, and his mouth makes him open to blows.
Cross References
Exodus 23:3But, on the other hand, do not be turned from what is right in order to give support to a poor man's cause.
Leviticus 19:15Do no wrong in your judging: do not give thought to the position of the poor, or honour to the position of the great; but be a judge to your neighbour in righteousness.
Deuteronomy 16:19You are not to be moved in your judging by a man's position, you are not to take rewards; for rewards make the eyes of the wise man blind, and the decisions of the upright false.
Job 13:7Will you say in God's name what is not right, and put false words into his mouth?
Psalms 82:2How long will you go on judging falsely, having respect for the persons of evil-doers? (Selah.)
Proverbs 24:23These are more sayings of the wise: To have respect for a person's position when judging is not good.
Matthew Henry on Proverbs 18:5
The Language of Folly. 4 The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook. The similitudes here seem to be elegantly transposed. 1. The well-spring of wisdom is as deep waters. An intelligent knowing man has in him a good treasure of useful things, which furnishes him with something to say upon all occasions that is pertinent and profitable. This is as deep waters, which make no noise, but never run dry. 2. The words of such a man's mouth are as a flowing brook. What… Read the whole commentary →