תהלים, פרק כ״ו, פסוק י׳

Corrupt individuals often weaponize their intellect and authority to twist justice for personal profit. The capacity for deep thought and careful planning is inherently neutral and can be directed toward either good or evil [רש״י]. In this context, however, the primary approach among commentators is that this mental sharpness is channeled entirely into malicious plots. These individuals abuse their power, manipulating circumstances to achieve wrongful goals, ultimately perverting justice and straying from the honest path [אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ, מאירי].

Beyond mere planning, this wickedness can also manifest as actual abominable acts, such as physical violence and murder. Furthermore, the description of these acts being in their hands does not necessarily refer to physical body parts, but rather to their broad domain and control. They possess vast amounts of wealth amassed through robbery and sin [רד״ק].

The relationship between these wicked schemes and the acceptance of bribes is understood in a few ways. Some view the imagery as a poetic repetition, expressing a single, unified idea of plotting to take illegal payments [אבן עזרא]. A different perspective frames the situation as a cycle of crime and legal cover-up. In this scenario, corrupt judges preside over cases involving severe moral offenses and eagerly accept bribes to hide the crimes, entirely distorting the law [אלשיך]. Ultimately, because of their deep-seated corruption, deceitful plotting, and willingness to accept bribes, these individuals deserve to meet a harsh and bitter end [מצודת דוד].