Proverbs 18:5

New International Reader's Version

It isn’t good to favor those who do wrong. That would keep justice from those who aren’t guilty.

Cross References

Job 34:19

He doesn’t favor princes. He treats rich people and poor people the same. His hands created all of them.

Psalm 82:2

He says, “How long will you stand up for those who aren’t fair to others? How long will you show mercy to sinful people?

Exodus 23:2

“Do not follow the crowd when they do what is wrong. When you are a witness in court, do not turn what is right into what is wrong. Do not go along with the crowd.

Exodus 23:3

Do not show favor to a poor person in court.

Exodus 23:6

“Be fair to your poor people in their court cases.

Proverbs 17:15

The Lord hates two things. He hates it when the guilty are set free. He also hates it when those who aren’t guilty are punished.

Proverbs 17:26

It isn’t good to fine those who aren’t guilty. So it certainly isn’t good to whip officials just because they are honest.

Proverbs 24:23

Here are more sayings of wise people. Taking sides in court is not good.

Proverbs 28:21

Favoring one person over another is not good. But a person will do wrong for a piece of bread.

Proverbs 31:5

If they do, they might drink and forget what has been commanded. They might take away the rights of all those who are treated badly.

Isaiah 5:23

How terrible for those who take money to set guilty people free! How terrible for those who don’t treat good people fairly!

Isaiah 59:14

So people stop others from doing what is fair. They keep them from doing what is right. No one tells the truth in court anymore. No one is honest there.

Leviticus 19:15

“ ‘Do not make something wrong appear to be right. Treat poor people and rich people in the same way. Do not favor one person over another. Instead, judge everyone fairly.

Micah 3:9

Listen to me, you leaders of Jacob’s people! Pay attention, you rulers of Israel! You hate to do what is fair. You twist everything that is right.

Micah 7:3

They are very good at doing what is evil. Rulers require gifts. Judges accept money from people who want special favors. Those who are powerful always get what they want. All of them make evil plans together.

Matthew 22:16

They sent their followers to him. They sent the Herodians with them. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of honor. You teach the way of God truthfully. You don’t let others tell you what to do or say. You don’t care how important they are.

Deuteronomy 16:19

Do what is right. Treat everyone the same. Don’t take money from people who want special favors. It makes those who are wise close their eyes to the truth. It twists the words of those who have done nothing wrong.