Proverbs 17:23

A wicked person receives a bribe secretly ¹  to pervert ²  the ways of justice.

A wicked man accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the course of justice.

A wicked man receives a bribe from the bosom To pervert the ways of justice.

The wicked accept secret bribes to pervert justice.

The wicked take bribes under the table; they show nothing but contempt for justice.

A sinner takes an offering out of his robe, to get a decision for himself in a cause.

The wicked accept a concealed bribe to pervert the ways of justice.

A wicked man accepts a bribe behind the back To pervert the ways of justice.

A wicked person receives a bribe secretly ¹  to pervert ²  the ways of justice.

¹ sn 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.”

² tn The form לְהַטּוֹת (lÿhattot) 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.