Select Page
News Item 280. Mishlei 17-08 (Influence)

new proverb was posted on Wednesday, October 26 in the Mishlei section. 

It is possible to influence someone else’s behavior by means of a gift, gratuity, or bribe. Depending on the circumstances, such an offering may serve a noble purpose or a harmful purpose. The offering may be in the form of money, an article of value, or even just words. The effect of an illegal offering may be to corrupt a judge or a witness. On the other hand an offering may serve to promote forgiveness or goodwill.
Mishlei wants to make us aware of the power in a gift, both for good or ill. The proverb in this segment is structured so as to make us aware of this.