Try the Leading Christian AI — Free
Christian AI for Life's Questions
Christian AI for Life's Questions

Key Verse Spotlight

Proverbs 17:23 - Meaning and Application

Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today

Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition

" A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, to pervert the ways of justice. "

Proverbs 17:23

menu_book Verse in Context

21 He who becomes the father of a fool grieves. The father of a fool has no joy.

22 A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

23 A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, to pervert the ways of justice.

24 Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.

25 A foolish son brings grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him.

auto_stories

Explore Guided Bible Studies

Structured sessions with notes, questions, and advisor insights

Micro-Study 5 days

The Beatitudes (5-Day Micro)

A short study on Jesus' blessings and the kingdom way.

Session 1 Preview:

Blessed Are the Humble

schedule 6 min

visibility Free Preview
Micro-Study 5 days

Psalms of Comfort (5-Day Micro)

Short, calming sessions grounded in the Psalms.

Session 1 Preview:

The Shepherd's Care

schedule 5 min

visibility Free Preview

lock_open Create a free account to save notes, track progress, and unlock all sessions

person_add Create Free Account

auto_stories Bible Guided Commentary

See here, first, how evil bribery is. A man is wicked if he takes a gift to give false evidence, a false verdict, or a wrong judgment. When he does it, he is ashamed of it. He takes the bribe as secretly as possible, out of the bosom where it has been hidden for him. It is carefully concealed, and so quietly that, if he could, he would hide it from his own conscience. Some read the verse this way: "A gift is taken out of the bosom of a wicked man." That is, the man who gives bribes is bad too, not only the one who takes them.

Second, see how powerful bribery is. It has such force that it twists the course of justice. Justice is not only blocked, it is turned into injustice. The greatest wrongs are often done under the appearance of doing right.

Denomination-Aware Christian AI

Apply Proverbs 17:23 to Your Life Today

Get Scripture-grounded, denomination-aware guidance for this verse, personalized to your situation.

1 Ask your question arrow_forward 2 Consider your tradition arrow_forward 3 Apply Scripture
forum Ask Your Christian AI — Free

✓ No credit card required • ✓ 100% private • ✓ Free 30 credits to start

Related Verses

Proverbs 19:28

arrow_forward

"A corrupt witness mocks justice, and the mouth of the wicked gulps down iniquity."

Speaks to the same theme

Ecclesiastes 7:7

arrow_forward

"Surely extortion makes the wise man foolish; and a bribe destroys the understanding."

Speaks to the same theme

Micah 7:3

arrow_forward

"Their hands are on that which is evil to do it diligently. The ruler and judge ask for a bribe. The powerful man dictates the evil desire of his soul. Thus they conspire together."

Speaks to the same theme

Proverbs 21:14

arrow_forward

"A gift in secret pacifies anger, and a bribe in the cloak, strong wrath."

Speaks to the same theme

Sirach 14:9

arrow_forward

"A covetous man’s eye is not satisfied with his portion. Wicked injustice dries up his soul."

Speaks to the same theme

Psalms 26:10

arrow_forward

"in whose hands is wickedness; their right hand is full of bribes."

Speaks to the same theme

Related verses from Bible Guided Semantic Search

From This Chapter

Proverbs 17:1

"Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife."

Proverbs 17:2

"A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame, and shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers."

Proverbs 17:3

"The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the hearts."

Proverbs 17:4

"An evildoer heeds wicked lips. A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue."

Proverbs 17:5

"Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker. He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished."

Proverbs 17:6

"Children’s children are the crown of old men; the glory of children is their parents."

Daily Prayer

Get a daily Scripture reflection by email

Start each morning with a verse, a prayer, and a simple next step.

Free. Unsubscribe anytime. We never share your email.

Important Disclaimer: This biblical guidance is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you're experiencing crisis symptoms, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or seek immediate professional help.

Bible Guided provides faith-based guidance and should complement, not replace, professional therapeutic support.