Pro 21:14 | KingComments | STEP | “A gift in secret” is a gift that is not made aloud. It is a gift from one person to another without others hearing about it. Such a gift has a calming effect on someone who is angry for whatever reason. It makes him more lenient. In other words, the second line of verse says the same thing. This verse does not seem to be about a bribe or kickbacks or hush money, but about a means by which someone can be soothed. It often does a person who is inflamed by something in wrath good if someone comes along who is kind to him. The gift or gratuity need not be given by the one at whom he has become wrathful, but can also be someone who has heard of it. Examples are the gift Jacob sends to Esau ( ) and the gift Abigail takes with her when she goes to David ( ).

‏ Proverbs 21:14

A Gift and a Bribe Bring Rest

“A gift in secret” is a gift that is not made aloud. It is a gift from one person to another without others hearing about it. Such a gift has a calming effect on someone who is angry for whatever reason. It makes him more lenient. In other words, the second line of verse says the same thing.

This verse does not seem to be about a bribe or kickbacks or hush money, but about a means by which someone can be soothed. It often does a person who is inflamed by something in wrath good if someone comes along who is kind to him. The gift or gratuity need not be given by the one at whom he has become wrathful, but can also be someone who has heard of it. Examples are the gift Jacob sends to Esau (Gen 32:1-20) and the gift Abigail takes with her when she goes to David (1Sam 25:18-20 ; 35).