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A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of him who gives it; Wherever he turns, he prospers.
Verse Takeaways
1
A Description, Not a Prescription
Commentators unanimously agree that this proverb is not recommending bribery. Instead, it's a cynical or 'half-satirical' observation about how effective bribes are in a corrupt world. Scholars note that the Bible consistently condemns bribery (Exodus 23:8, Isaiah 1:23), and this verse simply describes the ugly reality of its power from the perspective of a corrupt person.
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Proverbs
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4
18th Century
Presbyterian
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…
19th Century
Anglican
A gift is as a precious stone ...—A description of the influence of bribery: A bribe is as a jewel in the eyes of him that rec…
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
A gift [is as] a precious stone in the eyes of him that has it Or "is a stone of grac…
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Those who set their hearts upon money will do anything for it. What influence should the gifts of God have on our hearts!
