Proverbs 17:8
A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
Original Language Analysis
חֵ֣ן
is as a precious
H2580
חֵ֣ן
is as a precious
Strong's:
H2580
Word #:
2 of 10
graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
in the eyes
H5869
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
in the eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
4 of 10
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
בְעָלָ֑יו
of him that hath
H1167
בְעָלָ֑יו
of him that hath
Strong's:
H1167
Word #:
5 of 10
a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 10
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Exodus 23:8And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.Isaiah 1:23Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.Proverbs 21:14A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.Proverbs 17:23A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.Deuteronomy 16:19Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.Amos 5:12For I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins: they afflict the just, they take a bribe, and they turn aside the poor in the gate from their right.1 Samuel 25:35So David received of her hand that 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.Micah 7:3That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up.
Historical Context
Bribery perverted justice in ancient courts. Mosaic law explicitly forbade judges from taking bribes (Exodus 23:8, Deuteronomy 16:19), recognizing that bribes 'blind the eyes of the wise and pervert the words of the righteous.'
Questions for Reflection
- Have you been tempted to use money or influence to gain unfair advantage?
- How do you maintain integrity in systems where corruption appears to 'prosper'?
- What does trusting God's justice look like when bribery and corruption seem to succeed?
Analysis & Commentary
A bribe is called a 'precious stone'—valuable and attractive to its possessor. 'Whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth' describes the bribe's apparent effectiveness in accomplishing its giver's purposes. This is not endorsement but observation: bribes work in fallen systems. However, other proverbs condemn bribery (17:23, 15:27). Reformed theology recognizes corruption as a fruit of total depravity. This verse warns that in a sinful world, bribery appears successful, making it tempting. Yet God's law forbids it, and His justice will ultimately prevail over corruption.