Proverbs 17:8
Proverbs 17:8 in Multiple Translations
A bribe is a charm to its giver; wherever he turns, he succeeds.
A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
A bribe is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it; Whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
An offering of money is like a stone of great price in the eyes of him who has it: wherever he goes, he does well.
Whoever gives a bribe thinks it's a magical stone—that wherever they turn they'll have success!
A rewarde is as a stone pleasant in the eyes of them that haue it: it prospereth, whithersoeuer it turneth.
A stone of grace [is] the bribe in the eyes of its possessors, Whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of him who gives it; wherever he turns, he prospers.
A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
The expectation of him that expecteth, is a most acceptable jewel: whithersoever he turneth himself, he understandeth wisely.
People think that a bribe is like a magic stone to persuade someone to do what they want him to do; they think that because of the bribe, that person will do whatever they want him to do.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 17:8
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 17:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֶֽבֶן
חֵ֣ן
הַ֭/שֹּׁחַד
בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י
בְעָלָ֑י/ו
אֶֽל
כָּל
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
יִפְנֶ֣ה
יַשְׂכִּֽיל
אֶֽבֶן
ʼeben
H68
stone
N-fs
חֵ֣ן
chên
H2580
favor
N-ms
הַ֭/שֹּׁחַד
shachad
H7810
bribe
Art | N-ms
בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd
בְעָלָ֑י/ו
baʻal
H1167
master
N-mp | Suff
אֶֽל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יִפְנֶ֣ה
pânâh
H6437
Corner (Gate)
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
יַשְׂכִּֽיל
sâkal
H7919
be prudent
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 17:8
אֶֽבֶן
ʼeben
H68
"stone"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
חֵ֣ן
chên
H2580
"favor"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means showing kindness or favor to someone, like God's graciousness to humanity. It appears in the Bible as 'favor' or 'grace'.
Definition: 1) favour, grace, charm 1a) favour, grace, elegance 1b) favour, acceptance
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: favour, grace(-ious), pleasant, precious, (well-) favoured. See also: Genesis 6:8; 1 Samuel 20:29; Psalms 45:3.
הַ֭/שֹּׁחַד
shachad
H7810
"bribe"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a gift given to influence someone, often in a wrong way. It can also mean a present or reward, like in 1 Samuel 1:18 where Hannah gives a gift to Eli. The word is about giving something to get something in return.
Definition: present, bribe
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: bribe(-ry), gift, present, reward. See also: Exodus 23:8; Psalms 26:10; Psalms 15:5.
בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
בְעָלָ֑י/ו
baʻal
H1167
"master"
N-mp | Suff
Means master or owner, often referring to a husband or leader, as seen in the book of Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : master/leader 1) owner, husband, lord 1a) owner 1b) a husband 1c) citizens, inhabitants 1d) rulers, lords 1e) (noun of relationship used to characterise-ie, master of dreams)
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] archer, [phrase] babbler, [phrase] bird, captain, chief man, [phrase] confederate, [phrase] have to do, [phrase] dreamer, those to whom it is due, [phrase] furious, those that are given to it, great, [phrase] hairy, he that hath it, have, [phrase] horseman, husband, lord, man, [phrase] married, master, person, [phrase] sworn, they of. See also: Genesis 14:13; 1 Samuel 23:11; Proverbs 1:17.
אֶֽל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יִפְנֶ֣ה
pânâh
H6437
"Corner (Gate)"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to turn or face something, like looking at a corner or a gate. It appears in descriptions of daily life and interactions, like in Genesis and Psalms. It's about changing direction or focus.
Definition: This name means corner, to turn, to turn back Another spelling of pin.nah (פִּנָּה "Corner( Gate)" H6438)
Usage: Occurs in 128 OT verses. KJV: appear, at (even-) tide, behold, cast out, come on, [idiom] corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look, mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to), (re-) turn (aside, away, back, face, self), [idiom] right (early). See also: Genesis 18:22; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 25:16.
יַשְׂכִּֽיל
sâkal
H7919
"be prudent"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To be circumspect means to be careful and thoughtful in your actions. In the Bible, this word is used to describe someone who is intelligent and prudent, like Solomon in 1 Kings 3:12.
Definition: 1) to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper 1a) (Qal) to be prudent, be circumspect 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to look at or upon, have insight 1b2) to give attention to, consider, ponder, be prudent 1b3) to have insight, have comprehension 1b3a) insight, comprehension (subst) 1b4) to cause to consider, give insight, teach 1b4a) the teachers, the wise 1b5) to act circumspectly, act prudently, act wisely 1b6) to prosper, have success 1b7) to cause to prosper Aramaic equivalent: se.khal (שְׂכַל "to contemplate" H7920)
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: consider, expert, instruct, prosper, (deal) prudent(-ly), (give) skill(-ful), have good success, teach, (have, make to) understand(-ing), wisdom, (be, behave self, consider, make) wise(-ly), guide wittingly. See also: Genesis 3:6; Proverbs 1:3; Psalms 2:10.
Study Notes — Proverbs 17:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 17:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 17:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 17:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 17:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 17:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 17:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 17:8
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 17:8
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 17:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 17:8
- Sermons on Proverbs 17:8
Context — Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness
6Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of a son is his father.
7Eloquent words are unfit for a fool; how much worse are lying lips to a ruler!
8A bribe is a charm to its giver; wherever he turns, he succeeds.
9Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but he who brings it up separates friends. 10A rebuke cuts into a man of discernment deeper than a hundred lashes cut into a fool.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 23:8 | Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous. |
| 2 | 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. |
| 3 | 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.” |
| 4 | Proverbs 17:23 | A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice. |
| 5 | 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. |
| 6 | 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. |
| 7 | 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. |
| 8 | Proverbs 21:14 | A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath. |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 16:1–4 | When David had gone a little beyond the summit, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth was there to meet him. He had a pair of saddled donkeys loaded with two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred clusters of raisins, a hundred summer fruits, and a skin of wine. “Why do you have these?” asked the king. Ziba replied, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride, the bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat, and the wine is to refresh those who become exhausted in the wilderness.” “Where is your master’s grandson?” asked the king. And Ziba answered, “Indeed, he is staying in Jerusalem, for he has said, ‘Today, the house of Israel will restore to me the kingdom of my grandfather.’” So the king said to Ziba, “All that belongs to Mephibosheth is now yours!” “I humbly bow before you,” said Ziba. “May I find favor in your eyes, my lord the king!” |
| 10 | Genesis 33:9–11 | “I already have plenty, my brother,” Esau replied. “Keep what belongs to you.” But Jacob insisted, “No, please! If I have found favor in your sight, then receive this gift from my hand. For indeed, I have seen your face, and it is like seeing the face of God, since you have received me favorably. Please accept my gift that was brought to you, because God has been gracious to me and I have all I need.” So Jacob pressed him until he accepted. |
Proverbs 17:8 Summary
[This verse is saying that when someone gives a bribe, it might seem like it's working for them and they're getting what they want, but really, it's not a good or honest way to succeed, as seen in Proverbs 10:2 and 11:4. Giving or taking bribes is a form of corruption that undermines fairness and justice, and can lead to serious consequences, as warned in Exodus 23:8 and Isaiah 1:23. Instead of relying on bribes or other corrupt practices, we should trust in God's sovereignty and provision, and live a life of integrity and honesty, as taught in Psalm 37:3-7 and Micah 6:8. By doing so, we can experience true prosperity and blessing, and bring glory to God.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that a bribe is a charm to its giver?
According to Proverbs 17:8, a bribe seems to bring success to the one who gives it, but this is a temporary and superficial gain, as warned in Deuteronomy 16:19 and 1 Samuel 8:3, where bribes are condemned as a form of corruption.
Is it ever acceptable to give a bribe?
No, the Bible clearly condemns bribery in Proverbs 17:8 and other verses like Exodus 23:8 and Isaiah 1:23, as it undermines justice and fairness, and is considered a form of idolatry, as seen in Acts 24:26.
How does this verse relate to the idea of 'getting ahead' in life?
This verse highlights the temptation to use unethical means to achieve success, but as seen in Proverbs 10:2 and 11:4, true prosperity and blessing come from trusting in God and living a life of integrity, not by relying on bribes or other corrupt practices.
What is the underlying spiritual issue with giving or taking bribes?
The underlying issue is a lack of trust in God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7, and a desire to control outcomes through one's own means, rather than waiting on God and following His principles of righteousness and justice, as taught in Micah 6:8.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways might I be tempted to use 'bribes' or other forms of manipulation to get what I want, and how can I resist this temptation?
- How does my trust in God's sovereignty and provision affect my willingness to use corrupt means to achieve success?
- In what areas of my life am I seeking to 'get ahead' or achieve success, and am I using ethical and God-honoring means to do so?
- What are some alternative ways to 'succeed' that align with God's principles of righteousness and justice, as seen in Proverbs 17:8 and other verses?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 17:8
A gift [is as] a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it,.... Or "is a stone of grace" (h), the note of similitude being wanting.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 17:8
A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 17:8
As a precious stone; pleasant and acceptable, and withal dazzleth his eyes. Of him that hath it, Heb. of the lord or owner of it; either, 1. Of the giver; or rather, 2. Of the receiver of it, who by the giver is made lord of it; for to his eyes it was exposed, that he might discern the beauty and worth of it, and thereby be allured to do what was desired, which accordingly he did, as it here follows. Whithersoever it turneth; to whomsoever it is presented. But this, as also many other proverbs, are to be understood of the common course or effect with most men, but not universally of all men.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 17:8
Proverbs 17:8 A gift [is as] a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.Ver. 8. A gift is as a precious stone, &c.] Heb., As a stone of grace. Like that precious stone tantarbe, spoken of in Philostratus, that hath a marvellous conciliating property; or the wonderworking lodestone, that among other strange effects reckoned up by Marbodeus and Pictorius, doth possessores suos disertos et principibus gratos reddere, make those that have it well-spoken men, and well accepted by princes. Whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.] Most men are δωροφαγοι, and "love with shame, Give ye." Yet some Persian-like spirits there are - as hath been made good before by the examples of Luther, Galeabrius, and some others - that regard not silver; and as for gold, in such a way, they have no delight in it. But these are black swans indeed. The most sing, Quis nisi mentis inops oblatum respuat aurum? Who but a fool would refuse offered gold? In Vita Apollon, lib. iii. cap. 14.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 17:8
(8) 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 receives it; whithersoever he turns he prospers: all his energies are called out by the prospect of gain, so that he carries out successfully all that he sets his hand to. The constant warnings against this form of corruption, from the time of Moses (Exodus 23:8) to that of the prophets (Amos 5:12; Isaiah 1:23, &c), show the prevalence of the evil in Israel.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 17:8
Verse 8. A gift is as a precious stone] It both enriches and ornaments. In the latter clause there is an evident allusion to cut stones. Whithersoever you turn them, they reflect the light, are brilliant and beautiful.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 17:8
8. him that hath it] Lit. its lord or possessor. This may mean either the giver, or the receiver of it. The former sense seems preferable. He who has a gift to bestow counts himself the possessor of that with which he can secure success in any direction he pleases, as though he turned in this direction or in that a precious gem or talisman to attract and conciliate the beholder. Maurer quotes the familiar lines of Ovid (de art. am. 3. 653), “Munera, crede mihi, capiunt hominesque deosque; Placatur donis Jupiter ipse datis.” Comp. Proverbs 18:16.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 17:8
A half-satirical description of the power of bribery in palaces and among judges.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 17:8
8. A gift — This is supposed to mean that kind of gift which is given to a judge or rider to secure favour, or escape punishment — a bribe. Zockler thinks it is not a bribe, but a lawful present, as Proverbs 18:16.
Sermons on Proverbs 17:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Zion's Foundations, Windows, Gates and Boarders by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the precious promises of God, emphasizing that these promises are exceedingly great and precious to the church of God only in specific circumstances whe |
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Abigail's Advice to David by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith continues his verse-by-verse study of the Bible, focusing on 1 Samuel chapter 25. The sermon centers around Abigail's advice to David, who is bei |
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Leadership Manual by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of delegation in leadership. They highlight that true leadership cannot exist without delegating tasks to others. The speaker |
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Deferred Obedience 2 - Part 3 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon addresses the issue of dishonesty and corruption, highlighting the consequences of cheating and unethical practices, especially during times of crisis. It emphasizes th |
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(Isaiah) the Glory of the Messiah’s Reign by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of unfairness and exploitation in society. He condemns those who take advantage of the weak and vulnerable, such as the poor, widow |
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Signs Seen, and Not Seen by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches on the lamentation of not seeing the signs of God's favor, highlighting the importance of recognizing outward marks of God's presence and grace upon the soul. |
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(Through the Bible) Amos 1-5 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preparing to meet God, as everyone will ultimately stand before Him in judgment. The preacher describes a vision of all th |