Proverbs 17:8

“A gift [is as] a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it, etc.] Or “is a stone of grace”f490, the note of similitude being wanting. It is an ornament of grace, adorns the person that wears it, makes him look lovely and amiable; is very grateful and desirable in itself, attracts and dazzles the eyes, and fills the mind with pleasure; so is a gift in the eyes of him that has it, that is the owner of it; either that has it in his possession to give, is the giver of it, as Aben Ezra; which, as it is valuable in his own eyes, he judges it to be so with others, and thinks he can do what be pleases with it, and engage persons by it to do as he would have them: or that is the receiver of it,…”

“One so corrupt as to take a bribe evinces his high estimate of it by subjection to its influence (Pro 18:16; Pro 19:6).”

“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. return to 'Top of Page'”

“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. Proverbs 17:9”

“gift: Pro 17:23; Psa 18:16, Psa 19:6, Psa 21:13, Psa 29:4; Exo 23:8; Deu 16:19 precious stone: Heb. stone of grace whithersoever: Gen 33:9-11, Gen 43:11; Sa1 25:35; Sa2 16:1-4; Mic 7:3 Proverbs 17:9”