Proverbs 17:23

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about bribes and corruption:

Proverbs 17:23 (ESV)

The wicked accepts a bribe in secret

to pervert the ways of justice.

Wicked men in leadership prefer to accumulate possessions more than they prefer to enact justice.  That seems to be Solomon's statement in the above proverb.  We all know politicians and leaders who have tried to get rich or accumulate wealth and possessions and position based on subverted bribery.  The Hebrew word for“secret” (“bosom” in the NASB) conjures up in our minds the place of a child; a dear possession.  Solomon seems to be telling us that the person who is offering the bride has some sort of compassion, or passion for what they are offering.  This passionate bride is given to the one in high position who then subverts justice for the purpose of personal gain.   Note what Solomon has just told us a few verses back in the same chapter: 

Proverbs 17:8 

A bribe is a charm in the sight of its owner; Wherever he turns, he prospers.  

In one proverb a bride is used in corruption in the hands of a wicked man. But in the other proverb a bride is used as a charm in the hands of its owner. The assumption in the second proverb is that the owner of the bribe will use it in a way that is righteous to promote justice.  The use of favors and promotion to pave the way for communication and relationships stands in stark contrast to those who use the same tools to pervert justice and promote wickedness.