Albert Barnes Commentary Proverbs 17:8

"A bribe is [as] a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it; Whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth." — Proverbs 17:8 (ASV)

A half-satirical description of the power of bribery in palaces and among judges. The precious stone (literally as in the margin) is probably a gem, thought of as a talisman, which, wherever it turns, will ensure prosperity to him who possesses it and has the power to give it.