Proverbs 24:23 - Meaning and Application

These are lessons for wise people, that is, judges and rulers. As subjects must do their duty and obey those in authority, so rulers must do their duty in giving justice to the people, both in criminal cases and in disputes between private people. These are lessons for them.

They must always weigh the facts of a case and never be influenced by favor for one side or the other. It is never right to show partiality in judgment, and it can only lead to justice being twisted and wrong being done under the cover of law and fairness. A good judge will know the truth, not faces. He will not support a friend in a bad case, and he will not leave out anything that can be said for a good cause, even when the good cause belongs to an enemy.

They must never ignore wicked people or encourage them in their evil ways. Rulers in their office, and ministers in theirs, must deal honestly with wickedness, even if the sinner is a great man or a close friend. They must show him his sin, warn him what will come of it, and make it known to others so they can avoid him. But if those whose duty is to expose sin cover it up and overlook it, or excuse the wicked man, or even favor and associate with him, which is in effect saying, “You are righteous,” they will rightly be seen as enemies of public peace and welfare, which they should be protecting. People will curse them and cry shame on them, and even foreigners will hate them as unfaithful betrayers of their trust.

They must also oppose and restrain fraud, violence, injustice, and moral evil. Even if that displeases one person, it will win them favor with God and with good people. Let rulers, ministers, and even private people who are able to do it rebuke the wicked, so that the wicked may repent or be put to shame. Then they will have comfort in their own hearts, because their consciences will witness that they stood up for God. A good blessing will come on them, the blessing of God and of good people. They will be known as defenders of religion and true friends of their country. See (Proverbs 28:23).

They must also give judgment according to fairness. They must give a right answer, meaning they must give their opinion and pass sentence according to the law and the true merits of the case. Then everyone will “kiss his lips,” that is, love him, honor him, and obey his orders, because there is a kiss of loyalty as well as a kiss of affection. In ordinary conversation too, a person who speaks wisely and honestly wins the respect and affection of those around him.