Proverbs 28:21 Meaning and Explanation
“To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Showing favoritism in judgment is wrong; even a small bribe corrupts justice.
The Context of Proverbs 28:21
A proverb warning against bias and corruption in judgment.
What Does Proverbs 28:21 Mean?
To judge based on who a person is, rather than on what they have done or what is right, is a fundamental corruption of justice. Favoring the rich or the well-connected at the expense of the poor or unknown is not good—it is a violation of fairness.
The proverb goes further: a judge who shows favoritism can be swayed by something as small as a piece of bread. This illustrates how readily justice is compromised when the judge's own interest is considered. Any personal benefit, however small, will tilt the scales.
Proverbs 28:21 in the Original Language
maśkîl (מַשְׂכִּיל), 'respect of persons' — literally 'recognizing the face,' meaning treating people unequally based on appearance or status rather than on the merits of the case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 28:21
What does Proverbs 28:21 mean?
Showing favoritism in judgment is wrong; even a small bribe corrupts justice.
What is the context of Proverbs 28:21?
A proverb warning against bias and corruption in judgment.