Pro 21:14 | MHM | STEP | The Power and Danger of Gifts This verse talks about how gifts can influence people’s feelings and actions. Sometimes, a well-chosen present can calm someone’s anger, even if they were very upset. Gifts can be powerful, but they are often given in secret, especially if they are meant to change someone’s mind or actions. While gifts can bring peace, using them to bribe someone or to get unfair results is wrong and shameful. v. 14 : The Bible says, A gift in secret pacifies anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath . Even strong anger can sometimes be turned away by a private gift. This shows how much people desire money or presents. For example, Jacob used gifts to calm Esau, and Abigail did the same with David. However, gifts given in secret can also be used as bribes, which is dishonest. People who accept bribes often try to hide it because they know it is wrong. We should never use gifts to do evil or to pervert justice.

‏ Proverbs 21:14

The Power and Danger of Gifts

This verse talks about how gifts can influence people’s feelings and actions. Sometimes, a well-chosen present can calm someone’s anger, even if they were very upset. Gifts can be powerful, but they are often given in secret, especially if they are meant to change someone’s mind or actions. While gifts can bring peace, using them to bribe someone or to get unfair results is wrong and shameful.

v. 14: The Bible says, A gift in secret pacifies anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath . Even strong anger can sometimes be turned away by a private gift. This shows how much people desire money or presents. For example, Jacob used gifts to calm Esau, and Abigail did the same with David. However, gifts given in secret can also be used as bribes, which is dishonest. People who accept bribes often try to hide it because they know it is wrong. We should never use gifts to do evil or to pervert justice.