8 "Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the innocent.

Other Translations of Exodus 23:8

King James Version

8 And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, the wise: Heb. the seeing and perverteth the words of the righteous.

English Standard Version

8 And you shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and subverts the cause of those who are in the right.

The Message

8 "Don't take bribes. Bribes blind perfectly good eyes and twist the speech of good people.

New King James Version

8 And you shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the discerning and perverts the words of the righteous.

New Living Translation

8 "Take no bribes, for a bribe makes you ignore something that you clearly see. A bribe makes even a righteous person twist the truth.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 23:8

Commentary on Exodus 23:1-9

(Read Exodus 23:1-9)

In the law of Moses are very plain marks of sound moral feeling, and of true political wisdom. Every thing in it is suited to the desired and avowed object, the worship of one only God, and the separation of Israel from the pagan world. Neither parties, friends, witnesses, nor common opinions, must move us to lessen great faults, to aggravate small ones, excuse offenders, accuse the innocent, or misrepresent any thing.