Pro 17:23 | NETfull | STEP | A wicked person receives a bribe secretly to pervert the ways of justice.

Proverbs 17:23

23 A wicked person receives a bribe secretly ^{▼▼ The fact that the “gift” is given secretly (Heb “from the bosom” [מֵחֵיק, mekheq]; so NASB) indicates that it was not proper. Cf. NRSV “a concealed bribe”; TEV, CEV, NLT “secret bribes.”}
to pervert ^{▼▼ The form לְהַטּוֹת (l^ehattot) is the Hiphil infinitive construct of נָטָה (natah), meaning “to thrust away,” i.e., to “pervert.” This purpose clause clarifies that the receiving of the “gift” is for evil intent.} the ways of justice.