Proverbs 17:8 kjv

A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.

Proverbs 17:8 nkjv

A present is a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor; Wherever he turns, he prospers.

Proverbs 17:8 niv

A bribe is seen as a charm by the one who gives it; they think success will come at every turn.

Proverbs 17:8 esv

A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of the one who gives it; wherever he turns he prospers.

Proverbs 17:8 nlt

A bribe is like a lucky charm;
whoever gives one will prosper!

Proverbs 17 verses

Proverbs 17 8 Meaning

Proverbs 17:8 observes the pragmatic, yet morally distorted, perspective of the one who gives a bribe. It describes how the briber perceives their action as an extremely effective tool, a powerful charm or instrument of favor that guarantees desired outcomes. From this self-serving viewpoint, the bribe ensures success in all endeavors, allowing the giver to achieve their goals seemingly effortlessly, irrespective of righteousness or justice. The verse is a descriptive insight into the corrupting power and perceived utility of bribery in a fallen world, not an endorsement of such practices, but rather an unveiling of the mindset behind them.

Proverbs 17 8 Context

Proverbs 17, like much of the book, presents contrasts between wisdom and folly, righteousness and wickedness. The immediate context of verse 8 includes observations about quarrelsome behavior, false testimony, and the perversion of justice. Specifically, verses like 17:15 (condemning those who justify the wicked and condemn the righteous) and 17:23 (explicitly stating, "The wicked accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the ways of justice") clearly condemn bribery. Therefore, 17:8 is not an endorsement but an observation of how a bribe appears to the one offering it—as an effective, almost magical tool.

Within the broader biblical wisdom tradition, Proverbs often describes the world as it is, including human depravity and the fleeting "success" of the wicked, to highlight the ultimate justice and superior path of righteousness. It unveils the twisted logic of fallen humanity. Historically and culturally, bribery was a common challenge in the ancient Near East, where systems of justice and governance could be easily swayed by personal influence and illicit payments. The verse reflects this stark reality, showing how individuals rationalized such actions for perceived advantage in a corrupt environment.

Proverbs 17 8 Word analysis

• A bribe (שֹׁחַד - shochad): In biblical Hebrew, shochad refers to a gift or payment given to influence judgment or action. While "gift" can be neutral, in legal and ethical contexts, shochad almost exclusively carries a negative connotation, indicating an illicit payment meant to corrupt or pervert justice, influence decisions, or gain unfair advantage. It's condemned throughout Scripture for its role in leading to partiality and unrighteousness.
• is a charm (חֵן - chen): This Hebrew word is widely translated as "grace," "favor," "charm," or "goodwill." When used in relation to a bribe, it denotes the perceived captivating and effective power of the bribe in the eyes of the giver. It suggests an almost magical quality—something irresistible that can effortlessly achieve desired outcomes, similar to how one might perceive a lucky charm or an enchantment.
• in the sight of him who gives it (בְּעֵינֵי בַעֲלָיו - b'einei ba'alav): This phrase is crucial. It underscores that the perceived efficacy and charm of the bribe are subjective, residing entirely within the perception of the one offering it. It highlights a self-serving and often delusional belief by the briber that their illicit payment is a universally effective tool for manipulation. It speaks to the distorted moral compass of the perpetrator.
• wherever he turns (אֲשֶׁר יִפְנֶה - asher yifneh): This emphasizes the perceived ubiquitous influence of the bribe. The briber believes that no matter the situation, the obstacle, or the individual, this "charm" will work to their advantage. It reflects an unwarranted confidence in the bribe's power to manipulate any circumstance or person.
• he prospers (יַשְׂכִּיל - yaskil): Derived from the root sakal, this verb can mean "to be wise," "to have insight," "to prosper," or "to succeed." Here, it points to the worldly success or advantage the briber anticipates and often, in the short term, achieves. This "prosperity" is, however, fleeting and morally bankrupt according to other biblical teachings, contrasting sharply with true, lasting blessedness that comes from God through righteousness.
• "A bribe is a charm in the sight of him who gives it": This phrase emphasizes the deceptive and alluring nature of the bribe. It presents itself as a simple, effective solution to problems, promising results without true effort or adherence to moral principles. This speaks to the temptation of instant gratification over righteous diligence.
• "wherever he turns, he prospers": This second clause describes the perceived outcome for the briber. It highlights the illusion of success and omnipotence gained through illicit means. It's the short-term, unrighteous 'fruit' of corruption, which, from a divine perspective, is ultimately detrimental and leads to ruin.

Proverbs 17 8 Bonus section

• Ironic Observation: Many proverbs function as ironic observations rather than prescriptive statements. This verse points out the twisted reality of the fallen world, where sin appears to offer quick and easy solutions, but this perception is a deception.
• Moral Contrast: This verse indirectly highlights the supreme value of true justice and integrity. By describing how a briber thinks, it emphasizes how far removed such thought is from God's righteous character, which never accepts bribes (Deu 10:17).
• The "Charm" as Idolatry: For the briber, the bribe becomes a sort of idol, a substitute for God's favor or righteous effort. They put their trust in this material instrument rather than in upright conduct and God's blessings.
• God's Rejection of Bribery: While the briber sees prosperity, the entire biblical narrative asserts God's hatred of bribery (Psa 15:5), labeling it an act that corrupts a nation and invites divine judgment. The short-term "prosperity" is always overshadowed by ultimate divine disapproval and often, worldly consequences.

Proverbs 17 8 Commentary

Proverbs 17:8 succinctly captures a deeply unsettling aspect of human sin: the perverted confidence of a person engaging in corruption. It's not an endorsement, but a stark observation that from the briber's perspective, their illicit payment is an infallible instrument. They see it as a "charm"—a magical key unlocking every door, securing every advantage, and guaranteeing success where merit might fail or laws might constrain. This distorted view reveals the inner logic of those who bypass integrity for personal gain. The perceived universal "prosperity" that follows is nothing more than temporary worldly success, often at the cost of justice and truth. Biblically, such "prosperity" is an abomination to God and always leads to greater ruin. The verse, therefore, acts as a warning, inviting the reader to discern between superficial, ill-gotten gains and true, God-honoring blessedness.

Examples illustrating this corrupted mindset might include:

• An individual attempting to bypass regulations for personal benefit by offering undisclosed payments.
• Someone in authority seeking to manipulate outcomes in their favor through strategic, unethical "gifts."
• A company official using illicit means to secure contracts, believing it ensures profitability.