The Bribe from the Bosom

(Pro 17:23 KJV)  A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.

One of the repeated themes in Proverbs is “judgement” (justice NASB) (4941).  Here Solomon brings up the way in which a “gift” (bribe NASB) (7810) can pervert the administration of justice.  Here though I think he is referring to something more subtle than money or favors.  That is dealt with other places.  Here he uses an interesting phrase “bribe from the bosom.”  I see this as applying specifically to our time and culture.

We often do things because we “feel” them.  How many times have you talked to someone who does something that is wrong because they “felt” that it was right?  Our social mores now put current feelings above time honed truth.  The children in our schools are taught that it is more important to feel good about yourself, self-esteem, than to excel.  Unfortunately the same theme is being preached in our churches under a warped understanding of “love.” 

So?  God has given us unchanging standards that we are to use as measuring sticks on right and wrong.  No amount of “bosom” agitation can negate eternal truth.  So stop getting in touch with your feelings and get informed by the eternal word.  Justice is based on truth not trends.