A wicked man receives a bribe from the bosom To pervert the ways of justice. Proverbs 17:23

When someone reverts to bribing others in matters of justice - you can guarantee that they are doing so because they are guilty of the charge that has been brought. That is what we learn from today's proverb of the day.

The "wicked man" to whom this proverb refers is a man who is guilty of the offense with which he is charged. The Hebrew word used here is "rasha" which means someone who is guilty or wrong. It is used of people who are transgressors, criminals, and honestly - who are just plain wicked. The word is an antonym of the Hebrew word "saddiyq" which has as its meaning - to be righteous or in the right. Therefore someone who is turning to a bribe is wrong - and therefore guilty as charged. When used in the Old Testament it refers to those who are enemies of God - and enemies of His people. God is a God of righteousness and justice - therefore anyone who desires to pervert true justice will find themselves an enemy of God.

The phrase ". . . from the bosom" has the idea of someone who is slipping money to another in a secret fashion. This is how most bribes pass hands - through subversive and secretive ways. This happens because the wicked man offering them - and the wicked man receiving them to pervert justice - both do not want to be exposed. Therefore everything is done in a cloak and dagger fashion.

This is done to "pervert the ways of justice." The one offering it is wicked - and the one receiving it is perjerous. They perjure themselves - for they make it clear that truth is not something they value (at least not as much as money). Where such judges rule - there cannot be justice - because the hearts of such men are corrupted by various means to twist justice as the bribes have purchased. In 1973 Charles Ashman wrote a book entitled, The Finest Judges Money Can Buy. This is a very depressing book because it exposes the chronic problem of bribes in our own justice system. In his book Ashman reveals eight judges involved in Mafia-type organizations, ten who were guilty of receiving bribes, sixteen who were guilty of petter larceny, at least six who were guilty of sexual impropriety, seven who were guilty of being drunk on the job, and ten more who have used their position and authority for impure political gain. Those who bemoan the corruption in our nation should see clearly one of the chief reasons it exists - and that is gross corruption in our legal system. This is why God makes it clear to all the judges within the biblical judicial system that they were NEVER to take a bribe to pervert justice. God also promises special judgment upon those who do!

The one thing we can be eternally grateful for is that our ultimate judge is nothing like these men and women who parade as judges, yet have no integrity. He is the One Who sits enthroned - and Whose very throne is founded upon justice and righteousness. He hears and sees all things - and judges accordingly. He is incorruptible and cannot make an unjust decision, for such a decision is contrary to His very nature which is holiness and purity. When it came down to how God would deal with sin, He even judged His only Son when He took sin upon Himself. He is completely and absolutely just and righteous in all that He does. Therefore know that although justice and righteousness may not be given to us here on this fallen earth - we can know that there will be a day when God will judge ALL men according to His righteous standard.

Therefore be of good cheer and be greatly comforted! Your God has the ultimate bar of justice - which will be held before Him alone. In the meantime, we can thank Him daily for His gracious kindness and for His unparalleled love!

A gift in secret subdues anger, And a bribe in the bosom, strong wrath. Proverbs 21:14

Some of the proverbs are instructional while others are observational.  In no way is the Bible endorsing giving bribes to subvert justice - but God, the One who has inspired the Scriptures, is also not blind to the observation that bribes do exist and they are used to turn away anger and wrath.  In understanding this proverb we do need to focus on the fact that what is being said here deals with the issue of those who are angry and filled with wrath toward another.  This is not a proverb dealing with wanting to pervert justice - it is about dealing with those who come to a court situation and who are very angry.  It is written with truth that will help those who are wanting to lessen that anger before they get to court.  So what is this proverb telling us - and what observation is it giving to us?

When facing anger and wrath from someone - it is helpful in subduing it to offer a gift or a bribe.  Bribes do exist - and unfortunately the rich use them to subvert justice.  When a situation arises when someone is very angry and they are considering acting in the wrath of the moment - a bribe will help tone down the anger.  Is this righteous?  Most likely in the case of the bribe it is not.  Is it effective in the world?  Unfortunately it probably is.  But there is another way of looking at the statement that a gift in secret subdues anger. 

Those who know of court proceedings know that many cases are "settled" out of court.  What is often done is that lawyers offer a "settlement" to make a case or a person's anger go away.  The injured person is willing to have a sum of money - a gift given in secret if you will - subdue their anger and move them to drop the suit in court.  These settlements usually involve fairly large amounts of money.  They are meant to pacify the anger of the one who is bringing the suit or threatening to do so.  When this gift is given in secret - the case goes away.  For those who know that they are in trouble and guilty, yet do not want a court or a jury deciding the award in the case, a settlement may save them millions of dollars.  For the person injured or wronged, it saves them the difficulty of the court case itself - and the risk of getting nothing.  In the end, though everyone may not be completely thrilled, it does subdue the anger and settle the dispute. 

Remember though, this is a proverb that is observatory.  It is observing what happens in life - not dictating what should happen.  In this regard it is good to know these things - and to know that God knows too.  God knows that often these things will happen - but one thing to remember is that they will never happen at His bar of justice.  When we stand before God, there is no amount of money or works that will speak for us subduing His wrath.  The only thing that speaks in that day is the blood of Jesus Christ shed to pay for our sins in full.  There will be no bribes or gifts passed under the table.  God Himself has made the way of payment for sin - but know this - it is the ONLY payment accepted.