Deuteronomy 16:19Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

To ensure that legal matters are fairly and untaintedly resolved, and to eradicate the kind of selfishness that corrupts justice, it is stated that “judges and overseers... should judge the people with righteous judgment; thou shalt not pervert the law, nor show partiality, nor accept bribes, for bribes blind the eyes of the wise and twist the words of the innocent” (Deuteronomy 16:18-19). The law rightly insists that those chosen for the role of judge must rise above selfish desires, and out of true love for others, they must uphold their duty to justice and righteousness. They are called to reject any wrongdoing as unholy and to evaluate every case in accordance with the law, striving to imitate the ultimate Judge, Christ, whom the law itself had prophesied, acknowledging Him as both God and Judge.

Individuals who heed sound judgment discern wisely and do not receive bribes that affect the blameless (Psalm 14:5), as bribes obscure the insight of the wise and distort the declarations of the just. How can they, in their pursuit of material wealth, avoid the unintended harm to their souls? No one acquires unlawful riches without facing just consequences; wherever there is acquisition, there follows accountability; the riches may fill the account, yet the consequences reside in the heart.