Proverbs 17:23

Arabic Bible AVD 1999 (الكتاب المقدس)

ٱلشِّرِّيرُ يَأْخُذُ ٱلرَّشْوَةَ مِنَ ٱلْحِضْنِ لِيُعَوِّجَ طُرُقَ ٱلْقَضَاءِ.

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Proverbs says that a wicked person accepts a bribe to influence and corrupt justice. It highlights how corruption can undermine fairness and truth. The key message is to avoid corruption and uphold justice.

Explained for Children

Imagine a judge who takes a toy from a friend to give the wrong answer in a game. This verse tells us that it's not fair when someone takes a gift to make a wrong decision, and we should always try to do what's right and fair.

Historical Background

Proverbs is a book of wisdom literature, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, written around 950 BC. It was written for the Israelites to guide them in living wisely and morally, in a culture where oral traditions and proverbs were common.

Living It Out Today

In modern terms, this verse applies to situations where someone accepts a bribe to influence a decision, such as a government official taking money to award a contract. It reminds us to be honest and uphold integrity in all our decisions.

Topics

• justice
• corruption
• wisdom
• integrity
• bribery
• morality

Related Verses

• Exodus 23:8
• Deuteronomy 16:19
• Proverbs 15:27
• Ezekiel 22:12
• Matthew 26:14-16

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main lesson of Proverbs 17:23?

The main lesson is to avoid corruption and ensure justice is not perverted by accepting bribes, emphasizing the importance of integrity and fairness.

How can this verse be used in a Sunday school lesson?

It can teach children about the importance of being honest and fair, using examples of right and wrong decisions to illustrate the verse’s message.

What are some examples of corruption in today's world?

Examples include government officials accepting bribes for contracts, judges taking gifts to influence verdicts, or police officers accepting payments to ignore laws.

How does Proverbs 17:23 relate to our daily lives?

It reminds us to be honest and fair in our personal and professional lives, avoiding situations where accepting gifts might influence our decisions unfairly.