Proverbs 17:23
The wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the course of justice.
In context
20 One whose heart is corrupt does not prosper; one whose tongue is perverse falls into trouble.
21 To have a fool for a child brings grief; there is no joy for the parent of a godless fool. 22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. 23 The wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the course of justice. 24 A discerning person keeps wisdom in view, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.
25 A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the mother who bore him. 26 If imposing a fine on the innocent is not good, surely to flog honest officials is not right.
Compare in other versions
- KJV King James Version
— Proverbs 17:23 in the KJV
A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom To pervert the ways of judgment.
- ESV English Standard Version
— Proverbs 17:23 in the ESV
The wicked accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the ways of justice.