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Proverbs 17:23
A wickedman taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.

Psalm 18:16
He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters.

Psalm 19:6
His going forthis from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.

precious stone or stone of grace

Genesis 33:9-11
And Esau said, I have enough, my brother; keep that thou hast unto thyself…

Genesis 43:11
And their father Israel said unto them, Ifit must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds:

1 Samuel 25:35
So David received of her handthat which she had brought him, and said unto her, Go up in peace to thine house; see, I have hearkened to thy voice, and have accepted thy person.

wherever he turns, he succeeds.
This phrase highlights the temporary and superficial success that may come from unethical practices. The success is not genuine or lasting, as it is built on deceit. The Bible consistently teaches that true success comes from righteousness and obedience to God (Psalm 1:1-3,Proverbs 3:5-6). The apparent success of the bribe-giver is contrasted with the ultimate justice of God, who sees all actions and judges accordingly (Proverbs 15:3,Ecclesiastes 12:14). This serves as a warning against relying on corrupt means for personal gain, emphasizing the importance of integrity and trust in God's provision.

“A bribe is a charm to its giver; wherever he turns, he succeeds.” (Proverbs 17:8)

• The statement records what often happens in a fallen world: money or favors can sway decisions.

• It speaks from the briber’s viewpoint; the scheme seems like a “charm,” promising quick access and influence, much likeProverbs 18:16, “A gift opens doors for a man and brings him before great men.”

• The success described is horizontal—human favor—not a commendation from God.Ecclesiastes 7:7 reminds us that “a bribe corrupts the heart,” hinting at the spiritual damage beneath the apparent success.

• A charm is something people treat as magical protection or guaranteed advantage. The verse shows how the giver relies on the bribe the way pagans relied on amulets—placing faith in money rather than in God (cf.Psalm 52:7).

• The bribe “works” because those receiving it love gain (Proverbs 15:27) and fear displeasing the wealthy giver (Proverbs 19:6).

• Yet Scripture repeatedly exposes that this kind of charm is ill-founded: “Extortion turns a wise man into a fool, and a bribe destroys the heart” (Ecclesiastes 7:7).

• Proverbs often records realities without endorsing them (compareProverbs 21:9 on quarrelsome spouses). Here the author warns by irony: it looks like success, but only to the one handing out the money.

• A few verses later,Proverbs 17:23 calls bribery “wicked.” The juxtaposition signals that verse 8 is descriptive, not prescriptive.

•Deuteronomy 16:19 commands judges, “Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes,” showing God’s moral stance.

•Exodus 23:8 states plainly, “Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous.”

•Isaiah 1:23 condemns rulers who “love bribes and chase after gifts,” exposing societal decay that follows.

• Because God is just and impartial (Acts 10:34), bribery insults His character. He cannot be bought (Job 37:24), and He expects the same integrity from His people.

• Genuine success rests on trust and obedience: “Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be achieved” (Proverbs 16:3).

•Psalm 37:5 tells us, “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it.” No shortcuts or secret payments are needed.

•Proverbs 22:4 links “the reward of humility and the fear of the LORD” with “riches and honor and life,” offering a holy alternative to bribe-based advancement.

• Examine motives: are we tempted to gain influence through under-the-table gifts? (2 Corinthians 8:21).

• Resist pressure to conform to corrupt workplace or cultural norms; “walk honestly toward outsiders” (1 Thessalonians 4:12).

• Rely on prayer and providence rather than manipulation (Philippians 4:6-7).

• Model integrity so that even critics are “ashamed of their slander” (1 Peter 3:16).

• Teach children early that “whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much” (Luke 16:10).

Proverbs 17:8 pictures bribe money acting like a lucky charm in the eyes of its giver, seemingly producing success wherever it reaches. God allows us to see that appearance so we recognize how easily people trust riches rather than Him. Yet the wider witness of Scripture exposes bribery as corrupt, destructive, and offensive to a just and impartial God. True success belongs to those who fear the LORD, walk in integrity, and trust His sovereign hand instead of the deceptive charm of illicit gifts.

"Munera, crede mihi, capiunt hominesque deosque;
Placatur donis Jupiter ipse datis." It is possible that the gnome may have a more general application, and apply to gifts given to appease anger or to prove friendship (Proverbs 19:6;Proverbs 21:14). Septuagint, "A reward of graces is discipline to those who use it;"i.e. moral discipline brings an ample reward of graces to those who practise it.Whithersoever it turneth,it prospereth. The Authorized Version refers these words to the gift. Delitzsch points out that the words are more properly taken of the person who receives the gift, so that they should be rendered, "Wheresoever he turneth himself he dealeth wisely." Inflamed by sordid hopes and the love of gain, he acts with all possible skill and prudence in order to work out his wages and show that he was rightly selected to receive the present. The verse merely states a common trait among unscrupulous men, and pronounces no judgment upon it.

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