To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread. To show partiality is not good,God requires impartial justice, especially from those who judge, govern, or exercise influence over others. Israel’s law forbade favoring either the poor or the powerful in judgment (Leviticus 19:15; Deuteronomy 16:19). The Lord Himself shows no favoritism, and His people must not allow wealth, status, family ties, or personal advantage to distort what is right. Pro 24:23 These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality…… yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread. A small reward can expose a heart willing to abandon justice. Bread represents basic provision, but it can also picture a trivial gain for which someone sells integrity. Poverty and hunger bring real pressure, yet need does not make wrongdoing righteous. Jesus refused to compromise when Satan tempted Him to use His power for bread in the wilderness, trusting His Father rather than yielding to temptation (Matthew 4:3–4). Ezk 13:19 You have profaned Me among My people for handfuls of barley… Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs often address moral and ethical behavior. 2. Ancient Israel The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where justice and fairness were central to societal laws and religious teachings. 3. The Poor This verse implicitly references the poor, as the "piece of bread" symbolizes basic sustenance, highlighting the vulnerability of those in need. Teaching Points The Danger of PartialityPartiality undermines justice and fairness, leading to corruption and societal decay. As Christians, we are called to reflect God's impartial nature in our dealings with others. The Temptation of Material Gain Even small material gains can tempt individuals to compromise their values. We must guard our hearts against allowing material needs to dictate our moral decisions. Integrity in All Circumstances Upholding integrity, even in the face of poverty or need, is a testament to our faith and trust in God's provision. We should strive to maintain our moral compass regardless of external pressures. Reflecting God's Character As believers, we are called to emulate God's impartiality and justice. This means treating everyone with fairness and respect, regardless of their social or economic status. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of partiality in Proverbs 28:21 relate to the broader biblical theme of justice?2. In what ways might we be tempted to show partiality in our daily lives, and how can we overcome these temptations? 3. How does the warning against doing wrong for a "piece of bread" challenge our understanding of material needs versus spiritual integrity? 4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that we reflect God's impartiality in our interactions with others? 5. How do the teachings in James 2:1-9 and Leviticus 19:15 complement the message of Proverbs 28:21, and how can these scriptures guide us in our pursuit of justice and fairness? Connections to Other Scriptures James 2:1-9This passage warns against showing favoritism, particularly in the context of wealth and social status, echoing the theme of impartiality found in Proverbs 28:21. Leviticus 19:15 This verse instructs judges to be fair and not show partiality, reinforcing the biblical principle of justice and fairness. Matthew 6:24 Jesus teaches about serving two masters, which relates to the idea of compromising integrity for material gain, as suggested by the "piece of bread" in Proverbs 28:21.
People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Bit, Bread, Discern, Faces, Man's, Partiality, Persons, Piece, Position, Respect, Transgress, Wrong, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 28:21 5349 injustice, examples Library Two Coverings and Two ConsequencesA Sermon (No. 3500) by C. H. Spurgeon, April 4th, 1875, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. Published February 24th, 1916. "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper."--Proverbs 28:13. "Thou Hast covered all their sins."--Psalm 85:2. In these two texts we have man's covering, which is worthless and culpable, and God's covering, which is profitable and worthy of all acceptation. No sooner had man disobeyed his Maker's will in the garden of Eden than he discovered to his surprise and dismay … C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs The Right Kind of Fear He Does Battle for the Faith; He Restores Peace among those who were at Variance; He Takes in Hand to Build a Stone Church. "If we Confess Our Sins, He is Faithful and Just to Forgive us Our Sins", "When Solomon was Old. " Letter xxiv (Circa A. D. 1126) to Oger, Regular Canon Epistle xxv. To Gregoria. "And the Life. " How Christ is the Life. "And There is None that Calleth Upon Thy Name, that Stirreth up Himself to Take Hold on Thee," How to be Admonished are those who Give Away what is their Own, and those who Seize what Belongs to Others. The Authority and Utility of the Scriptures Adoption Proverbs Links Proverbs 28:21 NIVProverbs 28:21 NLT Proverbs 28:21 ESV Proverbs 28:21 NASB Proverbs 28:21 KJV Proverbs 28:21 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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