Tafsiran yang Mengutip untuk Amsal 24:23

גם אלה לחכמים הכר פנים במשפט בל טוב. “These things also belong to the wise; it is not good to display partiality in judgment” (Proverbs 24,23).

From the beginning of the Book of Proverbs up until here Solomon made it his business to admonish foolish people and adolescents. In fact, he announced his purpose at the very beginning of the Book when he said (1,4) “to give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.” Commencing with this verse he switches and admonishes the scholars, the ones who preside in the courts and dispense justice. This is why he said at the beginning of the verse we quoted above גם אלה, meaning that “also these parables” are meant for the wise. What does his admonition consist of? “It is not good to display partiality in judgment.” Solomon condemns partiality as a negative character trait. Why did we need Solomon to tell us this seeing that the Torah (Deut. 1,17) has already written: לא תכירו פנים במשפט, “do not show favoritism in judgment?” Solomon added an additional dimension to what the Torah had said in that the Torah did not mention a specific penalty for judges guilty of showing favoritism. Solomon adds (verse 24) “he who says to the wicked ‘you are righteous’ will be cursed by people, nations will abhor him.” If a judge convicts an innocent person the outrage of the people will be even greater, and he will likely be removed from his position as judge. Seeing that the entire Torah from בראשית until לעיני כל ישראל is inextricably tied to a system of justice Solomon said בל טוב instead of לא טוב parallel to what we say in Psalms 147,20 ומשפטים בל ידעום, “He did not acquaint them with a system of fair justice (the Gentiles).”

“These are the rules” [21:1]. King Solomon, of blessed memory, said: “These also are by the sages: it is not right to be partial in judgment” [Proverbs, 24:23]. That is to say, it is not good that one should flatter with judgment. Whoever gives proper judgments; he causes the throne in heaven to stand properly. However, when he, heaven forbid, does not judge properly, he causes the throne of the Holy One to be moved from his city. Justice causes peace and therefore, Yitro advised Moses that he should dispense justice. Concerning him it is written, “will go home in peace” [Exodus, 18:23]. Because there is peace, there is existence in the world. Therefore, justice was given to the scholars who make peace in the world. It is not right to bring judgments before the nations of the world, but before the sages of Israel. Therefore, it is written, “These are the rules that you shall set before them” [21:1].¹Bahya, Exodus, Mishpatim Introduction.