BSB
Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice.
WEB
To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good, nor to deprive the innocent of justice.
KJV
It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
Matthew Henry
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Verse 5
Proverbs 18:5
This justly condemns those who, being employed in the administration of justice, pervert judgment, 1. By conniving at men's crimes, and protecting and countenancing them in oppression and violence, because of their dignity, or wealth, or some personal kindness they have for them. Whatever excuses men may make for it, certainly it is not good thus to accept the person of the wicked; it is an offence to God, an affront to justice, a wrong to mankind, and a real service done to the kingdom of sin and Satan. The merits of the cause must be regarded, not the person. 2. By giving a cause against justice and equity, because the person is poor and low in the world, or not of the same party or persuasion, or a stranger of another country. This is overthrowing the righteous in judgment, who ought to be supported, and whom God will make to stand.