Proverbs 21:14 (NASBStr)
A gift in secret subdues anger,
And a bribe in the bosom, strong wrath.
Proverbs 21:14 (ESV)
A gift in secret averts anger,
and a concealed bribe, strong wrath.
There are several places in Proverbs that we were already warned about giving a gift for the purpose of persuasion. Note:
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 17:23 (ESV)
The wicked accepts a bribe in secret
to pervert the ways of justice.
Proverbs 18:16 (ESV)
A man’s gift makes room for him
and brings him before the great.
Proverbs 19:6 (ESV)
Many seek the favor of a generous man,
and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.
In these proverbs the gift (bribery) was used to influence. In 21:14 we read that the gift (bribe) is used to subdue anger or stop strong wrath. Solomon, as before, tells us that a gift can change the will of others. In this case, the person who has wrath or anger is pacified by a gift. This is more of an observation by Solomon than it is a commendation or instruction to follow. Solomon's proverbs often simply give us observances for life that we should be aware of and know so that we can be wise. Remember, the purpose of Proverbs is to educate the naive. If you want to be safe, be aware that some of man’s anger is simply only pacified by a good gift. Earlier Solomon told us a soft answer turns away wrath. Here we are told a good gift will do the same. The first one is noble and the other simply practical.
As a king, Solomon would have been very familiar with the concept of "gift giving" for political favors. He would have been very much aware of the concept of the "bribe." Like many people who study God's Word I am not sure if Solomon is suggesting the giving of bribes as a way to gain favor or simply stating a truth we all know. In 18:16 and 19:6, in particular, I think we could have that debate. However, in this verse I think we have the makings of a suggestion, at least, if not a full precept to follow. Who wouldn't want to subdue wrath and who wouldn't want to conquer anger? Every mother of a screaming two-year old knows the truth of this verse. Offer the young wailer a piece of candy and you convert the tantrum to tranquility. I am not supposing that Solomon thought it best to "buy off" the disobedient child anymore than the depraved ruler, but the principle is still in tack: Give a gift and the door of friction is closed and the gateway to favor is opened. I do think the message is clear that it takes something tangible to subdue anger. Mere words don't ... in fact, in 15:1 we are told that soft words (those that are less than inflammatory) can turn away wrath. Here, however, we see that something tangible actually "subdues" it. Something placed in the "bosom" (in their arms, hands) can apparently stop the wrath. It is assumed that the gift (or, bribe) is mischievous because that is our modern day vision. However, the gift could be earned and something tangible that the angered person needs to find victory. It is given in "secret" because we are not to flaunt our gift giving. We are to do our alms, not before men in public but in secret and God who sees in secret will reward openly (Matthew 6:2). Let us see the value of this proverb as a way to demonstrate a peace-making-tangible-approach to conflict. A good gift, given in the right way, can deter anger and conflict.
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