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

NASB

"A wicked man receives a bribe from the bosom To pervert the ways of justice."

— Proverbs 17:23, NASB

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Proverbs 17:23 in Other Translations

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Proverbs 17 — Context

20

He who has a crooked mind finds no good, And he who is perverted in his language falls into evil.

21

He who sires a fool does so to his sorrow, And the father of a fool has no joy.

22

A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones.

23

A wicked man receives a bribe from the bosom To pervert the ways of justice.

24

Wisdom is in the presence of the one who has understanding, But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.

25

A foolish son is a grief to his father And bitterness to her who bore him.

26

It is also not good to fine the righteous, Nor to strike the noble for their uprightness.

Proverbs 17:23 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Proverbs 17:23 say?
Proverbs 17:23 in the NASB reads: “A wicked man receives a bribe from the bosom To pervert the ways of justice.”
Where is Proverbs 17:23 in the Bible?
Proverbs 17:23 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Proverbs, chapter 17, verse 23.
Who wrote Proverbs?
Proverbs is traditionally attributed to Solomon (primarily), with sections by Agur and Lemuel. It was written c. 970–700 BC.
What is the book of Proverbs about?
Proverbs is practical wisdom for everyday life — short, vivid sayings on speech, work, money, friendship, sex, parenting, and the fear of the LORD. It teaches that wisdom is not mere cleverness but a way of walking with God in a complicated world.
What are the major themes of Proverbs?
Proverbs explores themes including Wisdom, Folly, Fear of the LORD, Discipline, Speech, Diligence. These themes shape the meaning and context of Proverbs 17:23.
What translation should I read Proverbs 17:23 in?
Proverbs 17:23 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Proverbs 17:23?
Proverbs 17:23 reads (NASB): “A wicked man receives a bribe from the bosom To pervert the ways of justice.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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