What is the meaning of Proverbs 21:14? A gift in secret “A gift in secret soothes anger…” (Proverbs 21:14a) • Scripture notes that generosity, especially when done quietly, can calm tensions. Proverbs 17:8 says, “A bribe is a charm to its giver; wherever he turns, he succeeds,” describing the observable effect, not endorsing corruption. • Jacob’s discreet gifts to Esau in Genesis 32:20—“I will appease him with the gift that goes ahead of me”—illustrate how peace offerings can soften a hostile heart. • Jesus urges private giving in Matthew 6:3–4, highlighting the virtue of humility and sincere motives. • Proverbs 15:1 reminds us, “A gentle answer turns away wrath,” and a thoughtful, hidden gift often functions like a gentle word—quietly lowering emotional temperature. Soothes anger “…soothes anger…” (Proverbs 21:14a) • Anger is portrayed as a fire; wise action can douse it (Proverbs 30:33). • Abigail’s swift, generous response to David in 1 Samuel 25:18, 32–33 shows how timely gifts avert bloodshed. • Colossians 3:14 calls love the bond of perfect unity; a considerate gift is an embodied act of love that dissolves resentment. A covert bribe “…and a covert bribe…” (Proverbs 21:14b) • The verse states a fact: concealed incentives influence people. Yet other texts condemn unjust bribery—Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 16:19; Isaiah 33:15. • The point is descriptive, not permissive. It reveals human nature’s vulnerability to material persuasion, urging us to guard our hearts against both giving and receiving illicit favors. • Ecclesiastes 7:7 warns, “Surely extortion turns a wise man into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart,” underscoring that secret payments can easily become sinful. Pacifies great wrath “…pacifies great wrath.” (Proverbs 21:14b) • “Great wrath” pictures explosive hostility. Even so, a well-chosen peace offering can lower it, as Proverbs 25:21–22 teaches about feeding an enemy to “heap burning coals on his head,” promoting reconciliation. • Romans 12:20 echoes this wisdom, showing that overcoming evil with good often involves practical kindness. • Ultimately, only God’s grace fully pacifies wrath—Romans 5:9 speaks of being “saved from wrath through Him.” Earthly gifts point to that greater reconciliation. summary Proverbs 21:14 observes a practical truth: discreet generosity has power to calm anger, while hidden inducements can even quell intense fury. Scripture records this reality without endorsing corrupt bribery, consistently condemning gifts that pervert justice. The verse invites us to practice humble, righteous giving that promotes peace, remembering that genuine reconciliation finds its highest expression in God’s own gift of grace through Christ. |
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