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they think success will come at every turn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/17.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />A bribe is like a lucky charm; whoever gives one will prosper!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/17.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of the one who gives it; wherever he turns he prospers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A bribe is a charm to its giver; wherever he turns, he succeeds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/17.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A gift <i>is as</i> a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A present <i>is</i> a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor; Wherever he turns, he prospers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A bribe is a charm in the sight of its owner; Wherever he turns, he prospers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A bribe is a charm in the sight of its owner; Wherever he turns, he prospers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />A bribe is a charm in the sight of its owner; Wherever he turns, he prospers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />A bribe is a charm in the eyes of its owner; Wherever he turns, he prospers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />A bribe is like a bright, precious stone in the eyes of its owner; Wherever he turns, he prospers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A bribe seems like a magic stone to its owner; wherever he turns, he succeeds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A bribe seems like a magic stone to its owner; wherever he turns, he succeeds. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A bribe is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it; Whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />A bribe works miracles like a magic charm that brings good luck. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A bribe seems [like] a jewel to the one who gives it. Wherever he turns, he prospers. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Some people think a bribe works like magic; they believe it can do anything. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />A bribe works wonders in the eyes of its giver; wherever he turns he prospers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A bribe is a charm to its giver; wherever he turns, he succeeds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A bribe works like a charm for the one who offers it; in whatever he does he succeeds. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of him who gives it; wherever he turns, he prospers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of him who gives it; wherever he turns, he prospers. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A stone of grace [is] the bribe in the eyes of its possessors, "" Wherever it turns, it prospers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A stone of grace is the bribe in the eyes of its possessors, Whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The gift a stone of grace in the, eyes of him possessing it: to all which it shall turn it shall prosper.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The expectation of him that expecteth, is a most acceptable jewel: whithersoever he turneth himself, he understandeth wisely. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The expectation of those who stand ready is a most pleasing jewel. Whichever way he turns himself, he understands prudently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />A bribe seems a charm to its user; at every turn it brings success. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of those who give it; wherever they turn they prosper.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />A precious stone is beautiful in the eyes of him who has it; wherever it turns it is admired.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />A precious stone is beautiful in the eyes of him who owns it, and wherever it turns it is notable.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it; Whithersoever he turneth, he prospereth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Instruction is to them that use it a gracious reward; and whithersoever it may turn, it shall prosper.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/17-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=3354" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/17.htm">Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">7</span>Eloquent words are unfit for a fool; how much worse are lying lips to a ruler! <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7810.htm" title="7810: haš·šō·ḥaḏ (Art:: N-ms) -- A present, bribe. From shachad; a donation.">A bribe</a> <a href="/hebrew/2580.htm" title="2580: ḥên (N-ms) -- Favor, grace. From chanan; graciousness, i.e. Subjective or objective.">is a charm</a> <a href="/hebrew/68.htm" title="68: ’e·ḇen- (N-fsc) -- A stone. From the root of banah through the meaning to build; a stone."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: bə·‘ê·nê (Prep-b:: N-cdc) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1167.htm" title="1167: ḇə·‘ā·lāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Owner, lord. From ba'al; a master; hence, a husband, or owner.">its giver;</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">wherever</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every."></a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6437.htm" title="6437: yip̄·neh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To turn. A primitive root; to turn; by implication, to face, i.e. Appear, look, etc.">he turns,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7919.htm" title="7919: yaś·kîl (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To be, circumspect, intelligent. A primitive root; to be circumspect and hence, intelligent.">he succeeds.</a> </span><span class="reftext">9</span>Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but he who brings it up separates friends.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/23-8.htm">Exodus 23:8</a></span><br />Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/16-19.htm">Deuteronomy 16:19</a></span><br />Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:7</a></span><br />Surely extortion turns a wise man into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/8-3.htm">1 Samuel 8:3</a></span><br />But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside toward dishonest gain, accepting bribes and perverting justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/12-3.htm">1 Samuel 12:3</a></span><br />Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Tell me, and I will restore it to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/12-4.htm">1 Samuel 12:4</a></span><br />“You have not cheated us or oppressed us,” they replied, “nor have you taken anything from the hand of man.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/15-19.htm">1 Kings 15:19</a></span><br />“Let there be a treaty between me and you as there was between my father and your father. See, I have sent you a gift of silver and gold. Now go and break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel, so that he will withdraw from me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/16-8.htm">2 Kings 16:8</a></span><br />Ahaz also took the silver and gold found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the king’s palace, and he sent it as a gift to the king of Assyria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/19-7.htm">2 Chronicles 19:7</a></span><br />And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-23.htm">Isaiah 1:23</a></span><br />Your rulers are rebels, friends of thieves. They all love bribes and chasing after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, and the plea of the widow never comes before them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-23.htm">Isaiah 5:23</a></span><br />who acquit the guilty for a bribe and deprive the innocent of justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/3-11.htm">Micah 3:11</a></span><br />Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets practice divination for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, “Is not the LORD among us? No disaster can come upon us.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/7-3.htm">Micah 7:3</a></span><br />Both hands are skilled at evil; the prince and the judge demand a bribe. When the powerful utters his evil desire, they all conspire together.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/28-12.htm">Matthew 28:12-15</a></span><br />And after the chief priests had met with the elders and formed a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money / and instructed them: “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.’ / If this report reaches the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/16-14.htm">Luke 16:14</a></span><br />The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all of this and were scoffing at Jesus.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that has it: wherever it turns, it prospers.</p><p class="hdg">gift</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/17-23.htm">Proverbs 17:23</a></b></br> A wicked <i>man</i> taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/18-16.htm">Psalm 18:16</a></b></br> He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/19-6.htm">Psalm 19:6</a></b></br> His going forth <i>is</i> from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.</p><p class="hdg">precious stone or stone of grace </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/33-9.htm">Genesis 33:9-11</a></b></br> And Esau said, I have enough, my brother; keep that thou hast unto thyself… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/43-11.htm">Genesis 43:11</a></b></br> And their father Israel said unto them, If <i>it must be</i> so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/25-35.htm">1 Samuel 25:35</a></b></br> So David received of her hand <i>that</i> which she had brought him, and said unto her, Go up in peace to thine house; see, I have hearkened to thy voice, and have accepted thy person.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/6-35.htm">Bribe</a> <a href="/jeremiah/8-17.htm">Charm</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-30.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/psalms/127-3.htm">Gift</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-4.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-18.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-8.htm">Great</a> <a href="/revelation/22-15.htm">Magic</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-11.htm">Money</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-8.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/psalms/123-2.htm">Owner</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-22.htm">Possessors</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-27.htm">Precious</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-26.htm">Price</a> <a href="/psalms/37-7.htm">Prospereth</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-20.htm">Prospers</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-2.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/psalms/118-22.htm">Stone</a> <a href="/exodus/29-30.htm">Succeeds</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">Turneth</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-17.htm">Turns</a> <a href="/psalms/119-54.htm">Wherever</a> <a href="/esther/8-17.htm">Whithersoever</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/17-23.htm">Bribe</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-22.htm">Charm</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-24.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-23.htm">Gift</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-13.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-10.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-9.htm">Great</a> <a href="/isaiah/47-12.htm">Magic</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-16.htm">Money</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-23.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-11.htm">Owner</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-12.htm">Possessors</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-15.htm">Precious</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-16.htm">Price</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-13.htm">Prospereth</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-8.htm">Prospers</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-18.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-10.htm">Stone</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-23.htm">Succeeds</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-26.htm">Turneth</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">Turns</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">Wherever</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">Whithersoever</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 17</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/17-1.htm">Contrasts between the Righteous and the Wicked</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/17.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>A bribe is a charm to its giver;</b><br>In ancient Near Eastern cultures, bribery was a common practice, often seen as a means to expedite processes or gain favor. The term "charm" suggests something that has an alluring or magical effect, indicating the deceptive nature of bribery. Biblically, bribery is condemned (<a href="/exodus/23-8.htm">Exodus 23:8</a>, <a href="/deuteronomy/16-19.htm">Deuteronomy 16:19</a>) as it perverts justice and undermines integrity. The giver of a bribe may perceive it as a tool to manipulate outcomes, reflecting a reliance on human cunning rather than divine providence.<p><b>wherever he turns, he succeeds.</b><br>This phrase highlights the temporary and superficial success that may come from unethical practices. The success is not genuine or lasting, as it is built on deceit. The Bible consistently teaches that true success comes from righteousness and obedience to God (<a href="/psalms/1.htm">Psalm 1:1-3</a>, <a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a>). The apparent success of the bribe-giver is contrasted with the ultimate justice of God, who sees all actions and judges accordingly (<a href="/proverbs/15-3.htm">Proverbs 15:3</a>, <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:14</a>). This serves as a warning against relying on corrupt means for personal gain, emphasizing the importance of integrity and trust in God's provision.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His insights into human behavior and morality are reflected in this verse.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/bribery.htm">Bribery</a></b><br>The act of giving or receiving something of value to influence the actions of someone in a position of power. In the context of this verse, it is seen as a tool that can manipulate outcomes.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_nature_of_bribery.htm">Understanding the Nature of Bribery</a></b><br>Bribery is portrayed as a "charm" or "stone of grace" in the original Hebrew, indicating its deceptive allure and perceived power to influence outcomes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_illusion_of_success.htm">The Illusion of Success</a></b><br>While bribery may seem to bring success, it is ultimately an illusion that undermines true justice and righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/moral_integrity_over_material_gain.htm">Moral Integrity Over Material Gain</a></b><br>Christians are called to uphold integrity and righteousness, rejecting the temptation to use unethical means for personal gain.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_corruption.htm">The Consequences of Corruption</a></b><br>Engaging in bribery can lead to a cycle of corruption, affecting not only the individual but also the broader community and society.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_justice_and_righteousness.htm">God's Justice and Righteousness</a></b><br>Believers are reminded that God's justice cannot be swayed by bribes, and they should strive to reflect His righteousness in their dealings.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 17</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_bribes.htm">What does the Bible say about accepting bribes?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_proverbs_9_17_suggest_theft's_allure.htm">Proverbs 9:17 suggests stolen water is sweet. Does this imply that forbidden acts have inherent appeal, and how does this reconcile with other passages condemning theft?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_ask_god_for_favor_if_he's_impartial.htm">Why does Psalm 17:8 ask God to treat the psalmist as 'the apple of Your eye' if God is supposed to be impartial (Deuteronomy 10:17)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_a_'cruel_messenger'_fit_a_kind_deity.htm">Proverbs 17:11 describes a 'cruel messenger' sent against rebels. How can this align with the notion of a benevolent deity?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) <span class= "bld">A gift is as a precious stone </span>. . .--A description of the influence of bribery:--<span class= "ital">A bribe is as a jewel in the eyes of him that receives it; whithersoever he turns he prospers</span>: all his energies are called out by the prospect of gain, so that he carries out successfully all that he sets his hand to. The constant warnings against this form of corruption, from the time of Moses (<a href="/exodus/23-8.htm" title="And you shall take no gift: for the gift blinds the wise, and perverts the words of the righteous.">Exodus 23:8</a>) to that of the prophets (<a href="/amos/5-12.htm" title="For I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins: they afflict the just, they take a bribe, and they turn aside the poor in the gate from their right.">Amos 5:12</a>; <a href="/isaiah/1-23.htm" title="Your princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loves gifts, and follows after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither does the cause of the widow come to them.">Isaiah 1:23</a>, &c), show the prevalence of the evil in Israel.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8.</span> - There is a breath of satire in this verse. <span class="cmt_word">A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it.</span> "A precious stone" is literally "a stone of grace" (<a href="/proverbs/1-9.htm">Proverbs 1:9</a>). The gnome expresses the idea that a bribe is like a bright jewel that dazzles the sight and affects the mind of him who receives it (see on Proverbs 15:27; comp. <a href="/deuteronomy/16-19.htm">Deuteronomy 16:19</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/12-3.htm">1 Samuel 12:3</a>). Ovid, 'Art. Amat.,' 3:653 - <p><span class="foreign">"Munera, crede mihi, capiunt hominesque deosque;<br />Placatur donis Jupiter ipse datis."</span> It is possible that the gnome may have a more general application, and apply to gifts given to appease anger or to prove friendship (<a href="/proverbs/19-6.htm">Proverbs 19:6</a>; <a href="/proverbs/21-14.htm">Proverbs 21:14</a>). Septuagint, "A reward of graces is discipline to those who use it;" <span class="accented">i.e.</span> moral discipline brings an ample reward of graces to those who practise it. <span class="cmt_word">Whithersoever it turneth,</span> <span class="cmt_word">it prospereth</span>. The Authorized Version refers these words to the gift. Delitzsch points out that the words are more properly taken of the person who receives the gift, so that they should be rendered, "Wheresoever he turneth himself he dealeth wisely." Inflamed by sordid hopes and the love of gain, he acts with all possible skill and prudence in order to work out his wages and show that he was rightly selected to receive the present. The verse merely states a common trait among unscrupulous men, and pronounces no judgment upon it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/17-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">A bribe</span><br /><span class="heb">הַ֭שֹּׁחַד</span> <span class="translit">(haš·šō·ḥaḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7810.htm">Strong's 7810: </a> </span><span class="str2">A present, bribe</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is a charm</span><br /><span class="heb">חֵ֣ן</span> <span class="translit">(ḥên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2580.htm">Strong's 2580: </a> </span><span class="str2">Graciousness, subjective, objective</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּעֵינֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·‘ê·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - cdc<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> </span><span class="str2">An eye, a fountain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">its giver;</span><br /><span class="heb">בְעָלָ֑יו</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·‘ā·lāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1167.htm">Strong's 1167: </a> </span><span class="str2">A master, a husband, owner</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wherever</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶֽל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he turns,</span><br /><span class="heb">יִפְנֶ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(yip̄·neh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6437.htm">Strong's 6437: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn, to face, appear, look</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he succeeds.</span><br /><span class="heb">יַשְׂכִּֽיל׃</span> <span class="translit">(yaś·kîl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7919.htm">Strong's 7919: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be, circumspect, intelligent</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/17-8.htm">Proverbs 17:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/17-8.htm">Proverbs 17:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/17-8.htm">Proverbs 17:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/17-8.htm">Proverbs 17:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/17-8.htm">Proverbs 17:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/17-8.htm">Proverbs 17:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/17-8.htm">Proverbs 17:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/17-8.htm">Proverbs 17:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/17-8.htm">Proverbs 17:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/17-8.htm">Proverbs 17:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/17-8.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 17:8 A bribe is a precious stone (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/17-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 17:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 17:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/17-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 17:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 17:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>