KJV ORIGINAL
And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Don't accept bribes, because bribes blind even wise people and twist the words of those who try to do right.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
God is warning that accepting bribes corrupts judgment and turns even good people away from speaking truth.
📚 Historical Context
This command was part of God's instructions for establishing a just legal system as the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, offering gifts to judges and officials was common practice, but God wanted His people to operate with absolute integrity. This law was designed to ensure fair treatment for all people, especially the poor and powerless who couldn't afford to offer bribes.
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