Deuteronomy 16:19 - You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality. You shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise, and perverts the words of the righteous.
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What does "Deuteronomy 16:19" mean?
Deuteronomy 16:19 is a powerful and direct statement about the importance of fairness, impartiality, and integrity in the judicial system. Let's break it down:
"You shall not pervert justice." This is the core command. It means you must not twist, distort, or corrupt the legal process. Justice should be administered honestly and fairly, according to the law, not manipulated for personal gain or to favor someone.
"You shall not show partiality." This expands on the first point. Impartiality means not favoring one person or group over another. Judgments should be based on the merits of the case, not on factors like wealth, social status, ethnicity, or personal relationships. Everyone should be treated equally before the law.
"You shall not take a bribe..." This is a specific example of how justice and impartiality can be corrupted. A bribe is anything of value (money, favors, promises) offered or accepted to influence a decision.
"...for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise, and perverts the words of the righteous." This explains why taking bribes is so dangerous. It:
"Blinds the eyes of the wise": Even intelligent and knowledgeable people (judges, lawyers, etc.) can be corrupted by a bribe. It distorts their judgment and prevents them from seeing the truth clearly. They become biased and may make decisions that are not just.
"Perverts the words of the righteous": A bribe can cause even honest and well-intentioned individuals to twist the law or testify falsely. It compromises their integrity and makes them complicit in injustice.
In Summary:
The verse warns against any action that would compromise the fairness and integrity of the legal system. It emphasizes the importance of:
Honest and impartial judgment.
Resistance to corruption.
Upholding the truth, even when it is difficult.
This verse has been foundational to legal and ethical principles for centuries, influencing ideas of due process and equal justice under law in many cultures and legal systems. It underscores the idea that justice is not merely a set of rules, but a moral imperative.
Deuteronomy 16:19 - You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality. You shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise, and perverts the words of the righteous.
What does "Deuteronomy 16:19" mean?
Deuteronomy 16:19 is a powerful and direct statement about the importance of fairness, impartiality, and integrity in the judicial system. Let's break it down:
"You shall not pervert justice." This is the core command. It means you must not twist, distort, or corrupt the legal process. Justice should be administered honestly and fairly, according to the law, not manipulated for personal gain or to favor someone.
"You shall not show partiality." This expands on the first point. Impartiality means not favoring one person or group over another. Judgments should be based on the merits of the case, not on factors like wealth, social status, ethnicity, or personal relationships. Everyone should be treated equally before the law.
"You shall not take a bribe..." This is a specific example of how justice and impartiality can be corrupted. A bribe is anything of value (money, favors, promises) offered or accepted to influence a decision.
"...for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise, and perverts the words of the righteous." This explains why taking bribes is so dangerous. It:
"Blinds the eyes of the wise": Even intelligent and knowledgeable people (judges, lawyers, etc.) can be corrupted by a bribe. It distorts their judgment and prevents them from seeing the truth clearly. They become biased and may make decisions that are not just.
"Perverts the words of the righteous": A bribe can cause even honest and well-intentioned individuals to twist the law or testify falsely. It compromises their integrity and makes them complicit in injustice.
In Summary:
The verse warns against any action that would compromise the fairness and integrity of the legal system. It emphasizes the importance of:
Honest and impartial judgment.
Resistance to corruption.
Upholding the truth, even when it is difficult.
This verse has been foundational to legal and ethical principles for centuries, influencing ideas of due process and equal justice under law in many cultures and legal systems. It underscores the idea that justice is not merely a set of rules, but a moral imperative.