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A gift in secret pacifies anger; And a bribe in the cloak, strong wrath.
Verse Takeaways
1
A Tool for Peacemaking
Commentators explain that this proverb offers practical wisdom on de-escalating conflict. A gift, given discreetly ('in secret' or 'in the bosom'), can effectively pacify even intense anger. Scholars point to biblical examples like Abigail appeasing David's wrath or Jacob calming Esau. The key is the gift's ability to humble or 'extinguish' the 'fire' of anger in the recipient.
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3
19th Century
Anglican
A gift in secret— Compare Abigail and David (1 Samuel 25:18).
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
A gift in secret pacifies anger Appeases an angry man; humbles and "brings [his anger] down" F25, as Aben…
Presbyterian
If money can conquer the fury of the passions, should reason, the fear of God, and the command of Christ, be too weak to bridle them?
