Proverbs 21:14 kjv

A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.

Proverbs 21:14 nkjv

A gift in secret pacifies anger, And a bribe behind the back, strong wrath.

Proverbs 21:14 niv

A gift given in secret soothes anger, and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great wrath.

Proverbs 21:14 esv

A gift in secret averts anger, and a concealed bribe, strong wrath.

Proverbs 21:14 nlt

A secret gift calms anger;
a bribe under the table pacifies fury.

Proverbs 21 verses

Proverbs 21 14 Meaning

Proverbs 21:14 states a pragmatic truth about human nature and social dynamics: a gift given discreetly can effectively quell or prevent intense anger and wrath. The verse observes the power of a private conciliatory gesture to defuse heated emotions, even to subdue "strong wrath." It speaks to the practical wisdom of using diplomacy and appeasement in interpersonal relations, acknowledging that strategic giving can prevent or resolve conflict.

Proverbs 21 14 Context

Proverbs 21:14 is nestled within a collection of individual proverbial sayings that offer practical wisdom for daily life, morality, and social conduct. The chapter covers a range of topics from God's sovereignty over kings' hearts (v. 1) to the consequences of laziness (v. 25). This particular verse functions as an observation about human psychology and social strategy. It describes the observed effectiveness of discreet gift-giving in calming volatile emotions. While other proverbs often critique or condemn bribery in the context of justice or legal proceedings, this verse appears to be a practical statement on managing interpersonal conflict and de-escalation, acknowledging a functional reality rather than strictly an ethical endorsement for all situations. Historically, gift-giving was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern diplomacy and conflict resolution, where honor, status, and appeasement were crucial in maintaining social order.

Proverbs 21 14 Word analysis

• A gift (מַתָּ֣ן, mattān): A noun derived from the root nathan (to give). Refers to something given, a present, or an offering. In the context of the Old Testament, gifts could be given as expressions of honor, tribute, seeking favor, or as part of a diplomatic gesture. It emphasizes the tangible item itself.
• in secret (בַּסֵּ֤תֶר, bassēṯer): The Hebrew word sēṯer means a hidden place, secret, or covertness. The prefix ba- means "in" or "with." This signifies that the gift is given privately, without public display or fanfare. The secrecy often indicates discretion, humility, or an attempt to avoid public humiliation for the recipient (by not drawing attention to their anger) or to ensure the gift's efficacy without perceived coercion. It contrasts with open payments or declarations that might provoke further anger or resentment.
• pacifies (יִֽכְפֶּה, yikpeh): A verb from the root kāp̄āh, meaning "to subdue," "to curb," "to calm," "to appease," or "to cover over." It denotes the act of quieting or overcoming an emotional state. The active verb suggests a deliberate action to neutralize strong negative emotion.
• anger (אָ֑ף, ’āp̄): Literally means "nose" or "nostril." Figuratively, it denotes "anger" or "wrath," as angry breathing or snorting was associated with the nose. This is the first mention of anger, suggesting a general state of intense displeasure.
• And a bribe (וְשֹׁ֣חַד, wəšōḥaḏ): The conjunction wĕ- means "and" or "even." Šōḥaḏ refers to a present, gift, or bribe. While it can simply mean "gift," šōḥaḏ frequently carries a negative connotation in judicial and moral contexts throughout the Hebrew Bible, where it implies perverting justice or gaining unlawful influence. In this proverb, its use alongside mattān highlights the powerful, almost irresistible effect of the gift, even acknowledging it operates like a 'bribe' in its persuasive power, though not necessarily implying illegal or unethical intent for all circumstances mentioned in the verse.
• in the bosom (בַּ֝חֵ֗ק, baḥēq): The noun ḥēq refers to the "bosom" or "lap," the inner fold of a garment, suggesting a close, private, or intimate placement. Similar to "in secret," this emphasizes discretion, proximity, and often personal connection. The 'bosom' was where one might hold something valuable close or a private exchange.
• strong wrath (חֵמָ֥ה עַזָּֽה, ḥēmāh ‘azzāh): wrath (חֵמָה, ḥēmāh): Strong heat, rage, fury, or intense wrath. It signifies a more intense and often uncontrollable anger than ’āp̄. strong (עַזָּה, ‘azzāh): An adjective meaning mighty, fierce, strong, severe, or powerful. This phrase intensifies the emotional state, indicating a fierce or violent anger, demonstrating the extraordinary power of a discreet gift or bribe to calm even the most vehement rage.

• "A gift in secret pacifies anger": This phrase highlights the effective power of discreet giving. The 'secret' aspect ensures that the act of giving doesn't become a public spectacle, which might exacerbate the anger (due to pride or shame), but rather allows the recipient to accept the conciliatory gesture without losing face. It speaks to wisdom in de-escalation.
• "And a bribe in the bosom strong wrath": This parallel emphasizes the incredible efficacy of such a gesture, comparing it to a "bribe" due to its powerful influence over even the most severe anger. The "bribe in the bosom" reiterates the idea of a private, intimately presented payment or gift. While shochad often implies corruption, here it likely emphasizes the irresistible power of the offering to appease, even the fiercest, most uncontrollable rage. It describes the observation that such a payment, though ethically charged in other contexts (e.g., judicial), can nevertheless be remarkably effective in neutralizing wrath.

Proverbs 21 14 Bonus section

This proverb, like many others in wisdom literature, observes a truth about human behavior without necessarily endorsing it as morally ideal in every situation. While the Bible strictly condemns bribes that pervert justice (e.g., Exo 23:8; Deut 16:19), here "bribe" (שֹׁ֣חַד, shochad) might be used to describe the functional effectiveness of the gift. The word shochad can carry the meaning of a "present" or "reward" as much as a "bribe." In this context, it describes the compelling nature of the gift's ability to subdue wrath. The key distinction often lies in intent and context: Is the gift intended to unjustly influence a judgment, or is it a genuine, though strategic, act of appeasement to restore harmony? The "secret" or "bosom" element suggests the latter, an act of conciliation intended to prevent or calm personal rage, rather than to subvert legal truth or integrity. This proverb therefore speaks to a diplomatic wisdom for personal interaction, valuing peace and the diffusion of anger, while allowing other scriptures to set boundaries on ethical conduct in legal and administrative realms.

Proverbs 21 14 Commentary

Proverbs 21:14 offers a keen observation on human nature and conflict resolution, acknowledging the practical power of discreet diplomacy. The verse functions less as a moral directive and more as a statement of sociological fact. It asserts that a privately presented gift (מַתָּ֣ן) or a personal token of appeasement, even akin to a bribe (שֹׁ֣חַד) in its effect, has a potent ability to pacify (יִֽכְפֶּה) strong anger (אָ֑ף) and fierce wrath (חֵמָ֥ה עַזָּֽה). The emphasis on "secret" or "in the bosom" is crucial: it points to the efficacy of actions taken without public display or overt pressure, allowing the offended party to recede from their anger gracefully without losing face. This kind of wisdom understands that while open confrontation or a purely legalistic approach might inflame matters, a judicious and sensitive gesture can soothe even the deepest fury. It serves as a reminder that sometimes pragmatic acts of conciliation are more effective in restoring peace than strict adherence to abstract principles in interpersonal relations, although ethical boundaries, particularly in matters of justice, are clearly drawn elsewhere in Scripture against accepting bribes.

Examples for practical usage:

• If a colleague is unjustly angry, offering a sincere, private apology or a small gesture of goodwill can diffuse the tension, rather than engaging in a public argument.
• In a domestic dispute, a discreet act of kindness or a quiet acknowledgment of fault can often calm a heated situation more effectively than insisting on who is "right."