Proverbs 17:8
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that has it: wherever it turns, it prospers.
American King James Version (AKJV)
A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that has it: wherever it turns, it prospers.
American Standard Version (ASV)
A bribe is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it; Whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
An offering of money is like a stone of great price in the eyes of him who has it: wherever he goes, he does well.
Webster's Revision
A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
World English Bible
A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of him who gives it; wherever he turns, he prospers.
English Revised Version (ERV)
A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
Definitions for Proverbs 17:8
Clarke's Proverbs 17:8 Bible Commentary
A gift is as a precious stone - It both enriches and ornaments. In the latter clause there is an evident allusion to cut stones. Whithersoever you turn them, they reflect the light, are brilliant and beautiful.
Barnes's Proverbs 17:8 Bible Commentary
A half-satirical description of the power of bribery in palaces and among judges. The precious stone (literally as in the margin) is probably a gem, thought of as a talisman, which, "wherever it turns," will ensure "prosperity" to him who, being the possessor, has the power to give it.
Wesley's Proverbs 17:8 Bible Commentary
17:8 A precious stone - Pleasant and acceptable; and withal dazzles his eyes. Whithersoever - To whomsoever it is presented. But this, as also many of her proverbs, are to be understood of most men, not of all.
