Proverbs 18:5 [It is] not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
Ver. 5. It is not good to accept the person of the wicked.] Indeed, it is so bad as can hardly be expressed, and is therefore here set forth by the figure liptote; which is, say grammarians, cum minus dicitur, plus intelligitur, when little is said, but more is understood. a This accepting of persons, declared here to be so very naught, is either in passing sentence of judgment, of which see Leviticus 19:15; See Trapp on " Lev 19:15 " or otherwise in common conversation, of which read James 2:1,4. See Trapp on " Jam 2:1 " See Trapp on " Jam 2:2 " See Trapp on " Jam 2:3 " See Trapp on " Jam 2:4 "
To overthrow the righteous in judgment.] Which is the easilier done, because they cannot quarrel and contend as the wicked can. "The fool's lips enter into contentions"; Pro 18:6 they have an art in it; they are dexterous at it; it is their trade and study to brabble and wrangle, to set a good face upon an ill matter, to rail and out brave, to set men further at odds, and to embitter their spirits one against another. This is a trick they have learned of their father the devil; and this their graceless speeches do as directly tend unto, as if they had legs to go into contention.
a Ut apud Virgil. Nec nulla innata est inaratae gratia terrae. - Georg., ii.