Partiality (Proverbs 18:5)

Favoritism is never going to be a good thing.

"To respect the person of the wicked and be partial, so as to deprive the [consistently] righteous, is not good." Proverbs 18:5, Amplified

If you are following along in the New King James, it may seem that this verse differs drastically from one version to the other. This is not the case. The Amplified simply makes its point faster and in a single thought.

The respecting of the wicked is what the New King James refers to as partiality, or favoritism. If we are to more favorable to the wicked, then we naturally shirk the righteous from his rightful place. The Lord will never look favorably on the wicked or wicked deeds. In fact we are called to be holy as He is holy (First Peter 1:16). If we are more partial to the wicked, maybe we should check our own hearts, for like minds tend to seek out each other. I am not trying to judge anyone, but I know my own heart and what it thinks and feels.