Proverbs 17:23
The impious receives gifts from the bosom, so that he may pervert the paths of judgment.
Catholic Public Domain Version
In The King James Version
A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
In Context
22A joyful soul makes a lifetime flourish. A gloomy spirit dries out the bones.
24Prudence shines from the face of the wise. The eyes of the foolish are on the ends of the earth.
Cross References
Deuteronomy 16:19and not so as to show favoritism to either side. You shall not accept a person’s reputation, nor gifts. For gifts blind the eyes of the wise and alter the words of the just.
1 Samuel 12:3Speak about me before the Lord, and before his Christ, as to whether I have taken anyone’s ox or donkey, or whether I have falsely accused anyone, or whether I have oppressed anyone, or whether I have accepted a bribe from the hand of anyone, and I will repudiate the same, this day, and I will restore it to you.”
Proverbs 18:16A man’s gift expands his way and makes space for him before leaders.
Isaiah 1:23Your leaders are unfaithful, the associates of thieves. They all love gifts; they pursue rewards. They do not judge for orphans, and the widow’s case is not brought before them.
Ezekiel 22:12They have accepted bribes among you to shed blood. You have received usury and superabundance, and in avarice you have oppressed your neighbors. And you have forgotten me, says the Lord God.
Micah 3:9Hear this, leaders of the house of Jacob and judges of the house of Israel, you who abominate judgment and who pervert all that is right.
Matthew Henry on Proverbs 17:23
22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Note, 1. It is healthful to be cheerful. The Lord is for the body, and has provided for it, not only meat, but medicine, and has here told us that the best medicine is a merry heart, not a heart addicted to vain, carnal, sensual mirth; Solomon himself said of that mirth, It is not medicine, but madness; it is not food, but poison; what doth it? But he means a heart rejoicing in God, and serving him with gladness, and then taking the… Read the whole commentary →