Proverbs 17:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of the one who gives it; wherever he turns he prospers.

NIV: A bribe is seen as a charm by the one who gives it; they think success will come at every turn.

NASB: A bribe is a charm in the sight of its owner; Wherever he turns, he prospers.

CSB: A bribe seems like a magic stone to its owner; wherever he turns, he succeeds.

NLT: A bribe is like a lucky charm; whoever gives one will prosper!

KJV: A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.

NKJV: A present is a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor; Wherever he turns, he prospers.

Some "proverbs" are statements of fact; not all are endorsements. Another statement in this passage connects bribery to sin (Proverbs 17:23). Other Scriptures do the same (Ecclesiastes 7:7; Isaiah 5:22–23; Proverbs 29:4). Here, Solomon points out that bribes can be effective—so much so that those who offer bribes can come to trust them too much.

Bribery has always been a common temptation for those in power. Scriptures from Exodus to the Minor Prophets condemn it. Exodus 23:8 commands Israel: "You shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and subverts the cause of those who are in the right." Isaiah 1:23 reveals how common bribes were in that time: "Everyone loves a bribe and runs after gifts. They do not do justice to the fatherless, and the widow's cause does not come to them." The prophet Amos spoke the Lord's words to Israel that included the condemnation of bribes. He declared: "For I [the LORD] know how many are your transgressions and how great are your sins—you who afflict the righteous, who take a bribe, and turn aside the needy in the gate" (Amos 5:12).

Proverbs 17:7–21 continues Solomon's wise observations. These remarks touch on speech, fools, strife, true friendship, co-signing loans, love of sinning, and what a fool can expect thanks to his foolishness. Numerous comments involve errors that lead to arguments and division. Some observations make a statement and then add to it, others present vivid contrasts.

This portion of Solomon's wise sayings involves several recurring themes. Among these are the importance of controlling one's words: hasty or spiteful language can do great harm. He also notes how wisdom and foolishness tend to be self-perpetuating. Wise people seek wisdom, foolish people seem immune to it. Other important topics are the impact of ungodly children on a family and the value of integrity and common sense.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.