Proverbs 21:14
A gift in secret pacifies anger, and a bribe in the cloak, strong wrath.
World English Bible British
In The King James Version
A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.
In Context
13Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he will also cry out, but shall not be heard.
15It is joy to the righteous to do justice; but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.
Cross References
Genesis 43:11Their father, Israel, said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: Take from the choice fruits of the land in your bags, and carry down a present for the man, a little balm, a little honey, spices and myrrh, nuts, and almonds;
Proverbs 17:8A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of him who gives it; wherever he turns, he prospers.
Proverbs 18:16A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.
Matthew 6:3But when you do merciful deeds, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand does,
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 →