Proverbs 18:5
It is not good to accept the character of the impious, so as to turn away from true judgment.
Catholic Public Domain Version
In The King James Version
It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
In Context
4Words from the mouth of a man are deep waters. And the fountain of wisdom is a torrent overflowing.
6The lips of the foolish meddle in disputes. And his mouth provokes conflicts.
Cross References
Exodus 23:3Likewise, you shall not show pity in judgment of the poor.
Leviticus 19:15You shall not do what is unjust, nor shall you judge unjustly. You shall not consider the reputation of the poor, nor shall you honor the countenance of the powerful. Judge your neighbor justly.
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.
Job 13:7Does God require your lie, so that you would speak deceitfully for him?
Psalms 82:2O God, who will ever be like you? Do not be silent, and do not be unmoved, O God.
Proverbs 24:23Likewise, these things are for the wise. It is not good to base judgment on knowledge of character.
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 →