The Dangers of Partiality (Proverbs 28:21)

Proverbs 28:21 To have respect of persons is not good: for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

(GNB) Prejudice is wrong. But some judges will do wrong to get even the smallest bribe.

(GW) Showing partiality is not good, because some people will turn on you even for a piece of bread.

Scripture strongly condemns showing partiality. James 2:1-4 addresses the sin of partiality. Proverbs 28:21 speaks of showing partiality because of one’s position. Partiality may be shown because of what we may receive in return. In other words, preferential treatment may be given based on what you can do for me. This is not a selfless act and can be unbelievably cheap, yet expensive. Cheap in the sense that even for the smallest of favors a man will transgress in judgment.  For a morsel or scrap of bread, is the imagery used in the KJV. The treasury of scriptural knowledge quotes a man by the name of Erasmus who was considered a Christian scholar who observes that this expression probably originated from the circumstance of holding out a piece of bread to a dog, to soothe him.

A dog is loyal to the one who has the treat. This is where their loyalty lies. Individuals can be dog-like in this manner, pacified or appeased by whoever has the treat, even if it is only scraps. This can result in unjust decisions, because concepts of right and wrong do not factor in. For this reason, it makes this decision an expensive one, because of the consequences to one’s relationship with GOD.