Proverbs 28:21 - To show partiality is not good; yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
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What does "Proverbs 28:21" mean?
Proverbs 28:21 highlights the dangers of corruption and the temptation to compromise one's integrity, even for seemingly small rewards. Let's break down the meaning:
"To show partiality is not good..." This is the straightforward part. "Partiality" means showing favoritism or bias towards one person or group over others. It's unfair, unjust, and undermines fairness and justice. It can lead to unfair rulings, unequal treatment, and a breakdown of trust. It's intrinsically wrong in the eyes of the proverb's wisdom.
"...yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread." This part illustrates the vulnerability of human nature. It means even though we know partiality is wrong (or any other wrong), people are often willing to compromise their morals and ethical standards when they are desperate or tempted by even a small benefit. "A piece of bread" symbolizes basic necessities, a small bribe, or simply a way to alleviate a temporary hardship.
In essence, the proverb is a warning:
Against corruption: It warns against the corrupting influence of poverty, greed, or the desire for security. It acknowledges that even seemingly honest people might be swayed when faced with difficult circumstances.
About integrity: It's a reminder that true integrity means upholding principles even when it's difficult or inconvenient. It challenges us to consider what we're willing to sacrifice for material gain.
About the consequences of poverty: While not excusing wrongdoing, it also suggests that widespread poverty or lack of opportunity can create an environment where people are more likely to compromise their values.
Therefore, the overall message is a cautionary one about the potential for even small incentives to lead to significant moral compromises, and the importance of maintaining integrity, especially in the face of hardship. It can be applied to various situations where people might be tempted to bend the rules or show favoritism for personal gain.
Proverbs 28:21 - To show partiality is not good; yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
What does "Proverbs 28:21" mean?
Proverbs 28:21 highlights the dangers of corruption and the temptation to compromise one's integrity, even for seemingly small rewards. Let's break down the meaning:
"To show partiality is not good..." This is the straightforward part. "Partiality" means showing favoritism or bias towards one person or group over others. It's unfair, unjust, and undermines fairness and justice. It can lead to unfair rulings, unequal treatment, and a breakdown of trust. It's intrinsically wrong in the eyes of the proverb's wisdom.
"...yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread." This part illustrates the vulnerability of human nature. It means even though we know partiality is wrong (or any other wrong), people are often willing to compromise their morals and ethical standards when they are desperate or tempted by even a small benefit. "A piece of bread" symbolizes basic necessities, a small bribe, or simply a way to alleviate a temporary hardship.
In essence, the proverb is a warning:
Against corruption: It warns against the corrupting influence of poverty, greed, or the desire for security. It acknowledges that even seemingly honest people might be swayed when faced with difficult circumstances.
About integrity: It's a reminder that true integrity means upholding principles even when it's difficult or inconvenient. It challenges us to consider what we're willing to sacrifice for material gain.
About the consequences of poverty: While not excusing wrongdoing, it also suggests that widespread poverty or lack of opportunity can create an environment where people are more likely to compromise their values.
Therefore, the overall message is a cautionary one about the potential for even small incentives to lead to significant moral compromises, and the importance of maintaining integrity, especially in the face of hardship. It can be applied to various situations where people might be tempted to bend the rules or show favoritism for personal gain.