God’s Word Translation
Proverbs 17:8
8A bribe seems ⌞like⌟ a jewel to the one who gives it. Wherever he turns, he prospers.
Proverbs 17:8 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
- New International Version (NIV)A bribe is seen as a charm by the one who gives it; they think success will come at every turn.
- English Standard Version (ESV)A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of the one who gives it; wherever he turns he prospers.
- New King James Version (NKJV)A present is a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor; Wherever he turns, he prospers.
Context of Proverbs 17:8
6Grandchildren are the crown of grandparents, and parents are the glory of their children. 7Refined speech is not fitting for a godless fool. How much less does lying fit a noble person! A bribe seems ⌞like⌟ a jewel to the one who gives it. Wherever he turns, he prospers. 9Whoever forgives an offense seeks love, but whoever keeps bringing up the issue separates the closest of friends. 10A reprimand impresses a person who has understanding more than a hundred lashes impress a fool.
Read all of Proverbs 17Proverbs 17:8 word by word
אֶֽבֶן־חֵ֣ן הַ֭שֹּׁחַד בְּעֵינֵ֣י בְעָלָ֑יו אֶֽל־כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֖ר יִפְנֶ֣ה יַשְׂכִּֽיל׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Proverbs 17:8
- Proverbs 17:23A wicked person secretly accepts a bribe to corrupt the ways of justice.
- Psalms 18:16He reached down from high above and took hold of me. He pulled me out of the raging water.
- Psalms 19:6It rises from one end of the heavens. It circles around to the other. Nothing is hidden from its heat.
- Psalms 27:13I believe that I will see the goodness of the Lord in this world of the living.
- Psalms 29:4The voice of the Lord is powerful. The voice of the Lord is majestic.
- Exodus 23:8Never take a bribe, because bribes blind those who can see and deny justice to those who are in the right.
- Deuteronomy 16:19Never pervert justice. Instead, be impartial. Never take a bribe, because bribes blind wise people and deny justice to those who are in the right.
- Genesis 33:9Esau said, “I have enough. Keep what you have, Brother.”
- Genesis 43:11Then their father Israel said to them, “If that’s the way it has to be, then take the man a gift. Put some of the best products of the land in your bags. Take a little balm, a little honey, gum, myrrh, pistachio nuts, and almonds.
- 1 Samuel 25:35Then David accepted what she brought him and told her, “Go home in peace. I’ve listened to what you’ve said and granted your request.”
- 2 Samuel 16:1When David had gone over the top ⌞of the Mount of Olives⌟, Ziba, Mephibosheth’s servant, met him with a pair of saddled donkeys. They were loaded with 200 loaves of bread, 100 bunches of raisins, 100 pieces of ripened fruit, and a full wineskin.
- Micah 7:3Their hands are skilled in doing evil. Officials ask for gifts. Judges accept bribes. Powerful people dictate what they want. So they scheme together.
Commentaries on Proverbs 17:8
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 8A 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.Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 8A half-satirical description of the power of bribery in palaces and among judges. The precious stone (literally as in the margin) is probably a gem, thought of as a talisman, which, “wherever it turns,” will ensure “prosperity” to him who, being the possessor, has the power to give it.Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 8Verse 8 Those who set their hearts upon money, will do any thing for it. What influence should the gifts of God have on our hearts!Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 88. One so corrupt as to take a bribe evinces his high estimate of it by subjection to its influence (Pr 18:16; 19:6).Read the comment
Topics related to Proverbs 17:8
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Proverbs 17
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Rashi on Tanakh
- Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
God’s Word Translation — © 1995 God’s Word to the Nations Bible Society
Commentaries