Proverbs 28:21

French Jerusalem 1998

C'est mal de faire acception de personnes, mais pour une bouchée de pain, l'homme commet un forfait.

What Does This Mean?

Proverbs 28:21 says that showing favoritism isn't good because even a small bribe can make someone act wrongly. The verse doesn't mention a specific speaker, but it's part of the wisdom given in the Book of Proverbs. The key message is to avoid favoritism and bribery.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a cookie and you decide to give it to your friend just because they are your friend, even though someone else might need it more. That's not fair, right? This verse says that even a tiny thing like a cookie can make people do unfair things.

Historical Background

The Book of Proverbs was written by King Solomon and other wise men in Israel. It was compiled around 950-700 BCE, offering wisdom to the Israelites on how to live a just and upright life. The culture valued honesty and justice in society.

Living It Out Today

In a modern scenario, a teacher might give a better grade to a student who is related to them rather than based on merit. This verse warns against such unfair treatment, emphasizing the importance of impartiality.

Topics

• justice
• honesty
• morality
• ethics
• fairness
• integrity

Related Verses

• Proverbs 20:23
• Exodus 23:8
• Leviticus 19:15
• Matthew 22:16
• Romans 2:11

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'respect of persons' mean in Proverbs 28:21?

'Respect of persons' means showing favoritism or partiality, often in judgment or decision-making, based on personal connections or other biases.

Why is showing favoritism considered bad?

Favoritism undermines justice and fairness, leading to unethical decisions that can harm others and damage trust within communities.

What does 'a piece of bread' symbolize in this verse?

'A piece of bread' symbolizes a small bribe or incentive, showing how even a small reward can lead to unethical behavior.

How can we avoid the pitfalls of favoritism?

To avoid favoritism, we must maintain impartiality, make decisions based on merit, and be aware of our biases to ensure justice and fairness.