Translations
F.O.G.MPrimary
F.O.G MessageEveryone is trying to get access to the ruler's court, but it is Yahweh alone who truly determines what justice each person receives.
F.O.GSecondary
The F.O.GMany seek the face of a ruler; but from YHWH comes a man's true justice.
KJV
King James VersionMany seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.
BSB
Berean Standard BibleMany seek the ruler’s favor, but a man receives justice from the LORD.
Footnotes
*Penei moshe l* ('the face of a ruler') is the idiom for seeking an audience with those in power — to 'seek the face' is to seek their presence, favour, and adjudication. The proverb's irony is sharp: no level of political access can guarantee *mishpat* (true justice), because earthly courts can be bought (cf. Micah 3:11, Isaiah 1:23). Only from YHWH does a man's *mishpat* — his real due, his rightful judgment — ultimately come. FOG adds 'true' to make the contrast explicit; FOG Message emphasises Yahweh's exclusivity through 'alone.'