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Proverbs 28:21 meaning

Partiality is not good, because some men can be bought for as little as a piece of bread.

Solomon puts a cheap price tag on bias in judgment: To show partiality is not good, because for a piece of bread a man will transgress (v. 21). Proverbs 28:21 is honest about how cheaply men can be bought.

To show partiality is not good. Partiality, especially in judgment or testimony, undermines the proper functioning of community. The verse repeats a theme from Proverbs 24:23.

Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress. The reason is sobering. Some men can be bought for very little. Even a small bribe, a piece of bread, will buy a corrupt verdict. The verse warns the wise reader of two things: do not be the man who can be bought so cheaply, and do not assume others cannot be bought just because the offer seems small.