Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 17:8 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of him who gives it; wherever he turns, he prospers. "
Proverbs 17:8
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
6 Children’s children are the crown of old men; the glory of children is their parents.
7 Excellent speech isn’t fitting for a fool, much less do lying lips fit a prince.
8 A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of him who gives it; wherever he turns, he prospers.
9 He who covers an offense promotes love; but he who repeats a matter separates best friends.
10 A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred lashes into a fool.
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Create Free AccountBible Guided Commentary
The point of this saying is to show two things. First, people with money in their hands often think they can do anything with it. Rich people may value even a little money like a precious gem. They may also pride themselves on it, as if wealth gave them not only status, but power, and as if everyone, even justice itself, should answer to them.
Wherever they turn this shining “stone,” they expect it to catch every eye and get them what they want. They think the case will go to the deepest purse. Pay enough, and you may get whatever you want.
Second, people who have money in their eyes, and set their hearts on it, will do anything for it. A bribe is like a precious stone in the eyes of the one who takes it. It has a strong hold on him, and he is sure to go wherever it leads him, this way and that, even if it goes against justice and even against his own better judgment.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 17:1
"Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife."
Proverbs 17:2
"A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame, and shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers."
Proverbs 17:3
"The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the hearts."
Proverbs 17:4
"An evildoer heeds wicked lips. A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue."
Proverbs 17:5
"Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker. He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished."
Proverbs 17:6
"Children’s children are the crown of old men; the glory of children is their parents."
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