Proverbs 28:21

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 28:21

Note, 1. It is a fundamental error in the administration of justice, and that which cannot but lead men to abundance of transgression, to consider the parties concerned more than the merits of the cause, so as to favour one because he is a gentleman, a scholar, my countryman, my old acquaintance, has formerly done me a kindness, or may do me one, or is of my party and persuasion, and to bear hard on the other party because he is a stranger, a poor man, has done me an ill turn, is or has been... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 28:21

To have respect of persons is not good , &c.; In courts of judicature, to give a cause or pass sentence in favour of a person, because he is rich, or is a relation, a friend, an acquaintance, or has done a kindness; and against another, because of the reverse, Leviticus 19:15 ; nor in religious assemblies, making a difference between the rich and the poor, James 2:1 ; this is not good in itself, nor productive of good effects, and cannot be well pleasing to God, who himself is no... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 28:1-25

(latter part) The source of disturbance and the secret of security We hardly need the pen of the wise man to assure us that— I. SIN MEANS DISTURBANCE TO OUR SOUL . 1 . It is bad enough to be unfortunate ; to suffer from privation or loss. 2 . It is far worse to be guilty . We soon accommodate ourselves to our misfortunes; we readily adjust ourselves to our circumstances, even though these may be very narrow. But sin strikes deep, and its wound lasts long.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 28:1-28

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 28:12-28

Hidden manhood The two main truths here taught have been anticipated by a foregoing proverb, viz. the advantage to society of promoting the good; and the injury done by the advancement of the wicked (see Proverbs 11:10 ). But there is a truth suggested by the wise man's language which does not elsewhere appear; he says that when the wicked rise "a man is hidden," that "men hide themselves." The fact here alluded to is clear enough; we have often read, or have frequently observed, that... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 28:17-22

Judgments on transgressors I. THE VIOLENT MAN . ( Proverbs 28:17 .) His doom, here as elsewhere, is viewed as sudden; he hastes to Hades—lives not out half his days. The truth is general, reflecting the intuition of the moral order. And in accordance with that order it is that pity will be turned away from him that shows no pity. This is no argument for capital punishment, but it is an argument for such a treatment of criminals as will best deter from crime. II. THE ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 28:20-22

(and Proverbs 28:8 ) Wealth or faithfulness? a sermon to young men What shall the young man set before him as his goal when he stands face to face with active life? Shall he make up his mind to be rich, or shall he resolve that, whatever his circumstances may be, he will be counted among those who are faithful to their trust? Shall he fix his mind upon and find his heritage in a large estate or in an honourable and a useful life? Let such an inquirer consider— I. THE GRAVE ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 28:21

The first hemistich occurs a little fuller in Proverbs 24:23 , referring there, as here, to the administration of justice. For for a piece of bread that man will transgress. Thus translated, this clause confirms the former, and says that a judge given to favouritism will swerve from right under the smallest temptation. But to bribe a judge with a morsel of bread seems an unlikely idea; and the gnome is of general application, "And for a morsel of bread a man [not 'that man'] will... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 28:21

Proverbs 28:21. To have respect of persons is not good It is a fundamental error in the administration of justice, and that which will lead men to many transgressions, to consider the quality of the parties concerned more than the merits of the cause; for a piece of bread that man will transgress When a man hath once accustomed himself to take bribes, a very small advantage will make him sell justice, and his own soul into the bargain. The design of this proverb is to warn men to take... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 28:1-28

Selfish ambition (28:1-28)A bad conscience makes a person a coward, but a clear conscience gives a person courage (28:1). Some characteristics of a corrupt society are instability in the government, exploitation of fellow citizens (even among the poorer classes), lawlessness, reversal of moral standards, injustice and greed. In spite of this, some will always remain true to God (2-7).Even those who are religious may be guilty of exploiting the poor and misleading the upright, but their... read more

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