An Idea Borrowed

Years ago on a radio program someone shared that they read a chapter in Proverbs every day. Since there are 31 chapters and the longest month has 31 days it allows you to read through Proverbs on a regular basis. I use it as the launch pad for my personal worship time and branch out from there. On this blog I will try to share some of the insights I have in the Word. I will try to organize them in the archive by reference.

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Perverted Justice

(Proverbs 17:23 KJV)  A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.

Again we have mention of a “gift” (bribe NASB) (7810).  This word is interesting in translation.  The older translations tend to use more neutral words like “gift” and “reward.”  The new translations go with “bribe.”  In this context it is clear that the word has a negative meaning.  Whatever you use to cover it up this is a case of using rewards to get what you do not deserve.

We see this on a regular basis.  The bribe may be in the form of simple approval.  It may be a “special” discount.  It could simply be an envelope of cash.  Any way you define it, it will “pervert” (5186) “judgement” (justice NASB) (4941). 

So?  We are to be fair and just by God’s definition, not by society’s standards.  That means being out of step.  So be it.  Remember that Jesus said the way was narrow. 

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