Deuteronomy 16:19 · KJV
"Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous."
King James Version
What does Deuteronomy 16:19 mean? →Passage Context
17Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee.
18Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.
19Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.
20That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
21Thou shalt not plant thee a grove of any trees near unto the altar of the LORD thy God, which thou shalt make thee.
Reflection Questions
1
How do you ensure fairness in your judgments?
2
What does it mean for you to not respect persons?
3
When have you seen the effects of bias in decision-making?
Life Application
justice
Strive to make decisions that are fair and unbiased in your daily interactions.
integrity
Be mindful of influences that may compromise your integrity or judgment.
Connection to Jesus
direct teaching
Jesus teaches about justice and integrity, warning against favoritism and corruption.
See also: Matthew 7:1-2
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