Proverbs 28:21To show partiality is not good; yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
The setting
Ancient Israel, ~950 BC. Solomon's court where judges made decisions that affected life and death. Corruption was rampant as officials accepted bribes from desperate people.
The emotion here: grieved by corruption he witnessed in courts
The original word
nākar (נכר) — to regard, show favoritism based on external factors like wealth or status
Why it matters
Israelite judges sat at city gates where all legal matters were decided publicly
Read with care
What most readers miss in Proverbs 28:21
This isn't about being nice to everyone - it's about corruption in justice systems
Common misconceptionPeople think this is about being friendly to everyone equally, but it's specifically about corrupt judgment - taking bribes or showing favoritism in decisions that affect justice.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Proverbs 28:21
Bible Genome reading
Proverbs 28:21 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Proverbs 28:21 comes from the book of Proverbs, written during the United Kingdom period. The dominant emotion in this verse is deciding, with a comfort power of 30% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the wisdom genre of biblical literature. Key themes include justice, corruption. Notable phrases: show partiality; piece of bread. This verse contains a command.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same deciding
“"You shall have no other gods before me.”
— Deuteronomy 5:7
“"You shall not murder.”
— Exodus 20:13
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12
“For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
“But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"”
— Acts 3:6
Your reflection
What does Proverbs 28:21 mean to you, today?
A short note. A question. A prayer. Saved privately to your Soul Garden, dated, and tied to this verse forever.
Speak your heart →Get 3 verses for "deciding"
Delivered to your inbox right now. Free.