To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread. To show partialityThe Hebrew word here is "נָשָׂא פָּנִים" (nasa panim), which literally means "to lift the face." This phrase is often used in the context of showing favoritism or bias, particularly in judgment or decision-making. In ancient Israel, justice was a foundational principle, and judges were expected to be impartial, reflecting God's own impartial nature. The Bible consistently condemns partiality, as it undermines justice and righteousness. In a broader sense, this phrase challenges believers to reflect God's fairness in their interactions, treating all people with equal respect and dignity. is not good
The phrase "is not good" underscores the moral and ethical implications of partiality. In Hebrew, "לֹא טוֹב" (lo tov) is a strong negation, emphasizing that such behavior is contrary to God's standards. The Bible often uses this phrase to denote actions that are displeasing to God and harmful to community harmony. This serves as a reminder that God's definition of goodness is rooted in justice, equity, and love for one's neighbor. yet a man will do wrong
The Hebrew word for "do wrong" is "פָּשַׁע" (pasha), which conveys the idea of transgressing or rebelling. This highlights the human tendency to deviate from God's righteous path, often due to selfish desires or external pressures. The verse acknowledges the reality of human weakness and the ease with which one can fall into sin, even when aware of the moral implications. It serves as a call for vigilance and reliance on God's strength to uphold integrity. for a piece of bread
This phrase, "בְּפַת לָחֶם" (be-pat lechem), literally means "for a morsel of bread." It illustrates the triviality of the reward for which one might compromise their integrity. In the ancient Near Eastern context, bread was a basic necessity, symbolizing sustenance and survival. The verse poignantly highlights how even the smallest temptation can lead to moral failure. It serves as a warning against allowing immediate, minor gains to overshadow eternal values and principles. This calls believers to prioritize spiritual wealth over material gain, trusting in God's provision. 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 IsraelThe cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where justice and fairness were central to societal laws and religious teachings. 3. The PoorThis 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 GainEven 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 CircumstancesUpholding 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 CharacterAs 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 19:15This verse instructs judges to be fair and not show partiality, reinforcing the biblical principle of justice and fairness. Matthew 6:24Jesus 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
5361 justice, human
5882 impartiality
8471 respect, for human beings
8753 favouritism Library Two Coverings and Two Consequences
A 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 ProverbsThe Right Kind of Fear
A Sermon (No. 2971) published on Thursday, January 18th, 1906, delivered by C.H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington on Thursday evening, September 2nd, 1876. "Happy is the man that feareth alway."--Proverbs 28:14. But did not John say that "fear hath torment?" Then how can he be happy who hath fear, and especially he who hath it always. Did not John also say that "perfect love casteth out fear?" How is it then that he is happy in whom love is not made perfect, if so be that the fear …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs He Does Battle for the Faith; He Restores Peace among those who were at Variance; He Takes in Hand to Build a Stone Church.
57. (32). There was a certain clerk in Lismore whose life, as it is said, was good, but his faith not so. He was a man of some knowledge in his own eyes, and dared to say that in the Eucharist there is only a sacrament and not the fact[718] of the sacrament, that is, mere sanctification and not the truth of the Body. On this subject he was often addressed by Malachy in secret, but in vain; and finally he was called before a public assembly, the laity however being excluded, in order that if it were …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh "If we Confess Our Sins, He is Faithful and Just to Forgive us Our Sins",
1 John i. 9.--"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins", &c. The current of sin dries not up, but runs constantly while we are in this life. It is true, it is much diminished in a believer, and it runs not in such an universal flood over the whole man as it is in the unbeliever. Yet there is a living spring of sin within the godly, which is never ceasing to drop out pollution and defilement, either upon their whole persons, or, at least, to intermingle it with their …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning "When Solomon was Old. "
"It came to pass when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other Gods." 1 KINGS xi. 4. Who could have predicted that this would come to pass? And yet it is often so, for it is still true that NO AMOUNT OF KNOWLEDGE WILL SAVE FROM BACKSLIDING THOSE WHO REFUSE TO LISTEN TO GOD. We learn from verse 10 that God had taken pains to save Solomon from idolatry, (see 1 Kings vi. 12, and xi. 6). But what good is it for even God to try to save a man who will have his own way? And …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread Letter xxiv (Circa A. D. 1126) to Oger, Regular Canon
To Oger, Regular Canon [34] Bernard blames him for his resignation of his pastoral charge, although made from the love of a calm and pious life. None the less, he instructs him how, after becoming a private person, he ought to live in community. To Brother Oger, the Canon, Brother Bernard, monk but sinner, wishes that he may walk worthily of God even to the end, and embraces him with the fullest affection. 1. If I seem to have been too slow in replying to your letter, ascribe it to my not having …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Epistle xxv. To Gregoria.
To Gregoria. Gregory to Gregoria, Lady of the Bed-chamber (cubiculariæ) to Augusta. I have received the longed for letters of your Sweetness, in which you have been at pains all through to accuse yourself of a multitude of sins: but I know that you fervently love the Almighty Lord, and I trust in His mercy that the sentence which was pronounced with regard to a certain holy woman proceeds from the mouth of the Truth with regard to you: Her sins, which are many, are forgiven her, for she loved …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great "And the Life. " How Christ is the Life.
This, as the former, being spoken indefinitely, may be universally taken, as relating both to such as are yet in the state of nature, and to such as are in the state of grace, and so may be considered in reference to both, and ground three points of truth, both in reference to the one, and in reference to the other; to wit, 1. That our case is such as we stand in need of his help, as being the Life. 2. That no other way but by him, can we get that supply of life, which we stand in need of, for he …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life "And There is None that Calleth Upon Thy Name, that Stirreth up Himself to Take Hold on Thee,"
Isaiah lxiv. 7.--"And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold on thee," &c. They go on in the confession of their sins. Many a man hath soon done with that a general notion of sin is the highest advancement in repentance that many attain to. You may see here sin and judgment mixed in thorough other(315) in their complaint. They do not so fix their eyes upon their desolate estate of captivity, as to forget their provocations. Many a man would spend more affection, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning How to be Admonished are those who Give Away what is their Own, and those who Seize what Belongs to Others.
(Admonition 21.) Differently to be admonished are those who already give compassionately of their own, and those who still would fain seize even what belongs to others. For those who already give compassionately of their own are to be admonished not to lift themselves up in swelling thought above those to whom they impart earthly things; not to esteem themselves better than others because they see others to be supported by them. For the Lord of an earthly household, in distributing the ranks and …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The Authority and Utility of the Scriptures
2 Tim. iii. 16.--"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." We told you that there was nothing more necessary to know than what our end is, and what the way is that leads to that end. We see the most part of men walking at random,--running an uncertain race,--because they do not propose unto themselves a certain scope to aim at, and whither to direct their whole course. According to men's particular …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Adoption
'As many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.' John 1:12. Having spoken of the great points of faith and justification, we come next to adoption. The qualification of the persons is, As many as received him.' Receiving is put for believing, as is clear by the last words, to them that believe in his name.' The specification of the privilege is, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.' The Greek word for power, exousia, signifies …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Proverbs 28:21 NIVProverbs 28:21 NLTProverbs 28:21 ESVProverbs 28:21 NASBProverbs 28:21 KJV
Proverbs 28:21 Commentaries
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