King James Version

What Does Proverbs 24:23 Mean?

Proverbs 24:23 in the King James Version says “These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.”

Proverbs 24:23 · KJV

Context

21

My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change: them: Heb. changers

22

For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?

23

These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.

24

He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:

25

But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them. a good: Heb. a blessing of good

Read Proverbs 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse introduces a new section: 'These things also belong to the wise' (גַּם־אֵלֶּה לַחֲכָמִים/gam-eleh lachakhamim, these also are for/of the wise). The following verses (23-34) constitute additional wisdom sayings. The immediate topic is judicial partiality: 'It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment' (הַכֵּר־פָּנִים בַּמִּשְׁפָּט בַּל־טוֹב/hakker-panim bamishpat bal-tov, showing partiality in judgment is not good). The law repeatedly forbade this: 'Ye shall not respect persons in judgment' (Deuteronomy 1:17); 'Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons' (Deuteronomy 16:19). James condemned it in the church: 'if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin' (James 2:9). God Himself shows no partiality (Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11). Judges must decide based on truth and law, not the litigants' status, wealth, or relationship. Partiality perverts justice, oppresses the vulnerable, and violates God's character.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient judicial systems constantly battled corruption through partiality. Wealthy and powerful individuals could influence judges through bribes, threats, or social pressure. The poor had minimal recourse. Moses commanded judges: 'Hear the causes between your brethren, and judge righteously... Ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's' (Deuteronomy 1:16-17). Despite this, corruption persisted. Prophets condemned judges who accepted bribes and favored the wealthy (Isaiah 1:23; 5:23; Micah 3:11; Amos 5:12). Jesus faced partial judges—Pilate knew He was innocent but yielded to political pressure (Matthew 27:24; John 19:12). The early church struggled with partiality favoring wealthy members (James 2:1-9). Church courts (handling disputes among believers, 1 Corinthians 6:1-8) needed reminding to judge impartially. Throughout history, Christian judicial reforms emphasized equal treatment regardless of status—rooted in the biblical principle that God judges without partiality.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what areas—workplace, church, family, community—might you show partiality based on status, wealth, relationship, or appearance?
  2. How does knowing that God judges without partiality shape your treatment of people from different backgrounds?
  3. What steps can you take to ensure fair, impartial treatment of everyone you encounter or have authority over?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
גַּם1 of 8
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אֵ֥לֶּה2 of 8
H428

these or those

לַֽחֲכָמִ֑ים3 of 8

“These things also belong to the wise”

H2450

wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)

הַֽכֵּר4 of 8

“to have respect”

H5234

properly, to scrutinize, i.e., look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (

פָּנִ֖ים5 of 8

“of persons”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

בְּמִשְׁפָּ֣ט6 of 8

“in judgment”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

בַּל7 of 8
H1077

properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest

טֽוֹב׃8 of 8

“It is not good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 24:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 24:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 28:21Proverbs 18:5James 3:17John 7:24Psalms 107:43Leviticus 19:15

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