Proverbs 17:8

The book of Proverbs gives us a lot of instruction on a lot of different subjects. One subject that can keep us in God’s wisdom is Godly Follower-ship. Who we follow; where we follow; how we follow are all spoken about in Proverbs. Here is one of them. 

Proverbs 17:8 (ESV Strong's)

A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of the one who gives it;

wherever he turns he prospers.

Make no mistake, taking a bribe and using a bribe for selfish gain is contrary to God's law. Note the following:

Exodus 23:8 "Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous.

Proverbs 21:14 A gift given in secret soothes anger, and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great wrath.

Ecclesiastes 7:7 Extortion turns a wise man into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart.

Isaiah 1:23 Your rulers are rebels, companions of thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow's case does not come before them.

Amos 5:12 For I know how many are your offenses and how great your sins. You oppress the righteous and take bribes and you deprive the poor of justice in the courts.

So, if these verses all teach that "taking"a bribe and "using" a bribe are unbiblical, why Proverbs 17:8? What Solomon is saying in this proverb is that having a bribe and using it is like having a lucky charm ... it allows you to obtain favor. During Solomon's day there would have been a large variety of ways leaders took bribes. Solomon undoubtably would have seen people try to bribe his father, David. A bribe was a pass to get where you wanted to get. Solomon is not promoting using a bribe ... that would have been contrary to other Scripture. He is telling us that, like a compliment, a bribe gets us into favorable places and prosperous ways. Don't use a bribe; beware of bribes.  Solomon will, in this same chapter, say the following:

Proverbs 17:23 (ESV Strong's)

23 The wicked accepts a bribe in secret

to pervert the ways of justice.

We can use “charms” or “bribes” or “compliments” to pervert justice; to get our own way.  Or we can use these “tools” to provide wisdom to others.   Remember what Solomon said in an earlier proverb:

Proverbs 11:30 (ESV Strong's)

30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,

and whoever captures souls is wise.

The truth here is that those who can win over others and share the gospel with them are wise.   Using a compliment to win others to impart knowledge and truth is the right thing to do.  To use a compliment to pervert justice is not wise.  It is foolish.