Definition: A wicked [man] taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Proverbs 17:23 together. It’s a really important and thoughtful statement about responsibility and consequences. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it means: "A person who is selfish, dishonest, or tries to trick people will take good things away – especially when they should be used for the right reasons – and ultimately ruin everything." Let's unpack that a little more: “A wicked [man]” : This isn’t just about someone being bad; it describes someone who actively chooses to do something wrong. It implies a pattern of behavior, maybe a lack of empathy or a desire for gain at the expense of others. “Taketh a gift out of the bosom” : Think of a gift as something good – like a blessing, a chance, or even just kindness. This part means they remove it from its original purpose. It’s taking something that's meant to be used for something positive. “Pervert the ways of judgment” : This is the key part. "Judgment" refers to fairness and rightness in how we treat others – how we behave, how we handle situations. “Pervert” means to twist or change it in a way that’s unfair or harmful. The person is trying to manipulate or deceive people so they can get what they want without considering the consequences for everyone involved. In short, the verse warns against greed and selfishness. It suggests that focusing on personal gain at the expense of others will lead to problems and ultimately be a negative outcome. It's about being mindful of your actions and their potential impact on those around you. Think of it like this: Imagine someone taking a delicious piece of fruit from a neighbor – they might try to sell it for less than it’s worth, or maybe even trick them into giving it away. That’s what the verse is saying about someone who isn't thinking about how their actions will affect others. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Give a real-life example of how this principle applies?