Proverbs 21:14
A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath.
Berean Standard Bible
In The King James Version
A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.
In Context
13Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer.
15Justice executed is a joy to the righteous, but a terror to the workers of iniquity.
Cross References
Genesis 43:11Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your packs and carry them down as a gift for the man—a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, pistachios and almonds.
Proverbs 17:8A bribe is a charm to its giver; wherever he turns, he succeeds.
Proverbs 18:16A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.
Matthew 6:3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
Matthew Henry on Proverbs 21:14
13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. Here we have the description and doom of an uncharitable man. 1. His description: He stops his ears at the cry of the poor, at the cry of their wants and miseries (he resolves to take no cognizance of them), at the cry of their requests and supplications—he resolves he will not so much as give them the hearing, turns them away from his door, and forbids them to come near him, or, if he cannot avoid hearing them,… Read the whole commentary →