A bribe is a charm to its giver;
A bribe seems like a magic stone to the one who gives it; wherever he turns, he thinks it succeeds.
This verse observes the deceptive allure of corrupt advantage.
1Better a dry morsel in quietness 2A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son 3A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, 4A wicked man listens to evil lips; 5He who mocks the poor insults their Maker; 6Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, 7Eloquent words are unfit for a fool; 8A bribe is a charm to its giver; 9Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, 10A rebuke cuts into a man of discernment 11An evil man seeks only rebellion; 12It is better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs 13If anyone returns evil for good, 14To start a quarrel is to release a flood; 15Acquitting the guilty and condemning the righteous— 16Why should the fool have money in his hand 17A friend loves at all times, 18A man lacking judgment strikes hands in pledge 19He who loves transgression loves strife; 20The one with a perverse heart finds no good, 21A man fathers a fool to his own grief; 22A joyful heart is good medicine, 23A wicked man takes a covert bribe 24Wisdom is the focus of the discerning, 25A foolish son brings grief to his father 26It is surely not good to punish the innocent 27A man of knowledge restrains his words, 28Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent,