Bribing Fool
23
The wicked take secret bribes
to pervert the course of justice.
24
Sensible people keep their eyes glued on wisdom,
but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.
Verse 23
The people might not know why a judge makes a wrong decision. They might think that he made a mistake. The truth is often that someone is evil. Perhaps a policeman, or a lawyer, or the judge himself, received a bribe (secret gift). Bribes are evil, because they cause the law to be unfair. See also verse 15.
Verse 24
Life is like a journey. The wise man is like a traveller who chooses the right route. This is because the wise man is aiming to get to heaven. So the wise man is careful to choose the correct path. He thinks carefully about his decisions, because he is wise.
The fool hates wisdom. He does not think carefully about what he should aim at. So, he stares into the distance. He is like a stupid traveller who does not even want to find the right path.
The Old Testament has more than twenty warnings against taking bribes. Bribes distort justice and benefit the rich. The Bible teaches that God supports those who can't help themselves, so taking bribes is clearly wrong.
Verse 24 says that fearing the Lord is the start of wisdom. For humble people, wisdom leads to understanding. Fools, rebels, and arrogant people can't focus on wisdom.
Let me ask you: Before you interact with others (including your family), do you ask God for wisdom and understanding, or do you let your mind wander and say whatever comes to mind?
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