Proverbs 17:23
The ways of a man who unjustly receives gifts in his bosom do not prosper; and an ungodly man perverts the ways of righteousness.
Brenton Septuagint
In The King James Version
A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
In Context
22A glad heart promotes health; but the bones of a sorrowful man dry up.
24The countenance of a wise man is sensible; but the eyes of a fool go to the ends of the earth.
Cross References
Deuteronomy 16:19they shall not wrest judgment, nor favour persons, nor receive a gift; for gifts blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.
1 Samuel 12:3Behold, here am I, answer against me before the Lord and before his anointed: whose calf have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom of you have I oppressed? or whom have I been violent with? or from whose hand have I taken a + 12:3 Gr. propitiation.bribe, even to a sandal? bear witness against me, and I will make restitution to you.
Proverbs 18:16A man's gift + 18:16 See Ps. 118. 32.enlarges him, and seats him among princes.
Isaiah 1:23Thy princes are rebellious, companions of thieves, loving bribes, seeking after rewards; not pleading for orphans, and not heeding the cause of widows.
Ezekiel 22:12In thee they have received gifts to shed blood; they have received in thee interest and usurious increase; and by oppression thou hast brought thy wickedness to the full, and hast forgotten me, saith the Lord.
Micah 3:9Hear now these words, ye chiefs of the house of Jacob, and the remnant of the house of Israel, who hate judgment, and pervert all righteousness;
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 →