Bible Strands
Proverbs 17:8
A bribe is a charm to its giver; wherever he turns, he succeeds.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Proverbs 17:8 is positioned within a sequence of wisdom observations, directly following a warning about foolish speech and preceding an instruction on concealing offenses. The verse describes the practical effect of bribery from the giver's perspective.
The words — The Hebrew שֹׁחַד (sho.chad) denotes "bribe" while חֵן (chen) means "favor" or "charm." The phrase בְּעֵינֵי בְעָלָיו (be.'ei.Nei ve.'a.La.v) literally places this charm "in the eyes of its owners," indicating the recipient's subjective perception of the payment.
The thread — The text's observation aligns with Exodus 23:8 and Deuteronomy 16:19, which warn that bribes blind the eyes of the wise and twist righteous words. Micah 7:3 documents the systemic abuse where princes and judges actively demand bribes to pervert justice.
Why it lands — The verse demands recognition that bribery functions by manufacturing a false sense of obligation or goodwill in the recipient. It requires the reader to reject the illusion that financial gain can legitimately override impartial judgment.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
Cross-references
- Exodus 23:8 Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous.
- Micah 7:3 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.
- Deuteronomy 16:19 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.
- 1 Samuel 25:35 Then David accepted from her hand what she had brought him, and he said to her, “Go home in peace. See, I have heeded your voice and granted your request.”
- Proverbs 17:23 A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice.
- Proverbs 21:14 A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath.
- Isaiah 1:23 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.
- Amos 5:12 For I know that your transgressions are many and your sins are numerous. You oppress the righteous by taking bribes; you deprive the poor of justice in the gate.
- Genesis 33:9 “I already have plenty, my brother,” Esau replied. “Keep what belongs to you.”
- Genesis 43:11 Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your packs and carry them down as a gift for the man—a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, pistachios and almonds.