Proverbs 28:21
New International Version
To show partiality is not good— yet a person will do wrong for a piece of bread.

New Living Translation
Showing partiality is never good, yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread.

English Standard Version
To show partiality is not good, but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.

Berean Standard Bible
To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.

King James Bible
To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

New King James Version
To show partiality is not good, Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.

New American Standard Bible
To show partiality is not good, Because for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.

NASB 1995
To show partiality is not good, Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.

NASB 1977
To show partiality is not good, Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.

Legacy Standard Bible
To show partiality is not good, Even for a piece of bread a man will transgress.

Amplified Bible
To have regard for one person over another and to show favoritism is not good, Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.

Christian Standard Bible
It is not good to show partiality — yet even a courageous person may sin for a piece of bread.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
It is not good to show partiality— yet a man may sin for a piece of bread.

American Standard Version
To have respect of persons is not good; Neither that a man should transgress for a piece of bread.

Contemporary English Version
It isn't right to be unfair, but some people can be bribed with only a piece of bread.

English Revised Version
To have respect of persons is not good: neither that a man should transgress for a piece of bread.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Showing partiality is not good, because some people will turn on you even for a piece of bread.

Good News Translation
Prejudice is wrong. But some judges will do wrong to get even the smallest bribe.

International Standard Version
To show partiality isn't good, yet for a piece of bread the valiant will transgress.

Majority Standard Bible
To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.

NET Bible
To show partiality is terrible, for a person will transgress over the smallest piece of bread.

New Heart English Bible
To show partiality is not good; yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.

Webster's Bible Translation
To have respect of persons is not good: for, for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

World English Bible
To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
[It] is not good to discern faces, "" And a man transgresses for a piece of bread.

Young's Literal Translation
To discern faces is not good, And for a piece of bread doth a man transgress.

Smith's Literal Translation
To look upon faces is not good and for a morsel of bread the man will transgress.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He that hath respect to a person in judgment, doth not well: such a man even for a morsel of bread forsaketh the truth.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Whoever shows favoritism in judgment does not do well; even if it is for a morsel of bread, he forsakes the truth.

New American Bible
To show partiality is never good: for even a morsel of bread one may do wrong.

New Revised Standard Version
To show partiality is not good— yet for a piece of bread a person may do wrong.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
A man who shows partiality is not good; for a piece of bread a man will become a traitor.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
A man that favors persons is not good, for by a piece of bread he betrays a man.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
To have respect of persons is not good; For a man will transgress for a piece of bread.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
He that reverences not the persons of the just is not good: such a one will sell a man for a morsel of bread.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Boldness of the Righteous
20A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished. 21To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread. 22A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty awaits him.…

Cross References
James 2:9
But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

Deuteronomy 16:19
Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.

Leviticus 19:15
You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly.

Acts 10:34
Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism,

Romans 2:11
For God does not show favoritism.

Colossians 3:25
Whoever does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.

1 Timothy 5:21
I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to maintain these principles without bias, and to do nothing out of partiality.

Exodus 23:2-3
You shall not follow the crowd in wrongdoing. When you testify in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd. / And do not show favoritism to a poor man in his lawsuit.

1 Peter 1:17
Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners.

Matthew 22:16
They sent their disciples to Him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and that You teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You seek favor from no one, because You pay no attention to external appearance.

Job 13:10
Surely He would rebuke you if you secretly showed partiality.

Malachi 2:9
“So I in turn have made you despised and humiliated before all the people, because you have not kept My ways, but have shown partiality in matters of the law.”

Ephesians 6:9
And masters, do the same for your slaves. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.

2 Chronicles 19:7
And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”

Luke 20:21
“Teacher,” they inquired, “we know that You speak and teach correctly. You show no partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.


Treasury of Scripture

To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

respect

Proverbs 18:5
It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

Proverbs 24:23
These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.

Exodus 23:2,8
Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment: …

Ezekiel 13:19
And will ye pollute me among my people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, to slay the souls that should not die, and to save the souls alive that should not live, by your lying to my people that hear your lies?

Hosea 4:18
Their drink is sour: they have committed whoredom continually: her rulers with shame do love, Give ye.

Micah 3:5
Thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace; and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him.

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Bit Bread Discern Faces Good Partiality Persons Piece Position Respect Show Transgress Wrong
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Proverbs 28
1. general observations of impiety and integrity














To show partiality is not good
Partiality, or favoritism, is consistently condemned throughout Scripture. In the biblical context, showing partiality often refers to unjustly favoring one person over another, which can lead to corruption and injustice. This principle is rooted in the character of God, who is described as impartial (Deuteronomy 10:17, Acts 10:34). The law given to Israel explicitly forbade partiality in judgment (Leviticus 19:15), emphasizing fairness and justice. In the New Testament, James 2:1-9 warns against showing favoritism, particularly in the context of wealth and social status, highlighting that such behavior contradicts the faith in Jesus Christ.

yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread
This phrase highlights the vulnerability of human nature, especially under the pressure of poverty or need. The "piece of bread" symbolizes basic sustenance, indicating that even a small temptation can lead to moral compromise. Historically, in ancient Near Eastern cultures, bread was a staple food, essential for survival, making it a powerful metaphor for necessity. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the struggle between righteousness and the pressures of life, as seen in Proverbs 30:8-9, where the writer prays for neither poverty nor riches to avoid the temptation to sin. The phrase also echoes the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:3-4), where He was tempted to turn stones into bread, yet He remained steadfast, demonstrating reliance on God's word over physical needs. This serves as a type of Christ, who embodies perfect obedience and trust in God, contrasting with human frailty.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
Traditionally 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 Partiality
Partiality 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.(21) For, for a piece of bread.--A thing proverbially of little value. (Comp. Ezekiel 13:19.)

That man will transgress.--So degrading is the habit of servility.

Verse 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 transgress." As some men in responsible positions are often swayed by low and unworthy considerations, so in social life a very insignificant cause is sufficient to warp the judgment of some persons, or draw them aside from the line of rectitude. (For "a piece of bread," as denoting abject poverty or a thing of no value, see on Proverbs 6:26) The commentators cite Aul. Gell., 'Noct. Att.,' 1:15, "Frusto panis conduci potest vel uti taceat vel uti loquatur." Septuagint, "He that regards not the persons of the just is not good; such a cue will sell a man for a morsel of bread."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
To show partiality
הַֽכֵּר־ (hak·kêr-)
Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 5234: To regard, recognize

[is] not
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

good,
ט֑וֹב (ṭō·wḇ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

because a man
גָּֽבֶר׃ (gā·ḇer)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1397: A valiant man, warrior, a person simply

may sin
יִפְשַׁע־ (yip̄·ša‘-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6586: To break away, trespass, apostatize, quarrel

for
וְעַל־ (wə·‘al-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

a piece
פַּת־ (paṯ-)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 6595: Fragment, bit, morsel

of bread.
לֶ֝֗חֶם (le·ḥem)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3899: Food, bread, grain


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 28:21 To show partiality is not good (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 28:20
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