A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath. A gift in secretThe phrase "A gift in secret" suggests an offering given discreetly, away from public view. In the Hebrew context, the word for "gift" (מַתָּנָה, mattanah) often implies a present or offering that is given voluntarily. The secrecy of the gift underscores the intention behind it—perhaps to avoid public scrutiny or to ensure that the act is not seen as self-serving. Historically, gifts were often used to build alliances or mend relationships, and the discretion here suggests a focus on genuine reconciliation rather than public acknowledgment. soothes anger
The Hebrew word for "soothes" (יָכִיךְ, yakhik) can also mean to calm or appease. Anger, in this context, is seen as a powerful emotion that can disrupt relationships and communities. The verse suggests that a well-timed, discreet gift has the power to calm such emotions, highlighting the importance of wisdom and tact in interpersonal relationships. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of peacemaking and the value of maintaining harmony. and a covert bribe
The term "covert bribe" introduces a more complex ethical dimension. The Hebrew word for "bribe" (שֹׁחַד, shochad) typically carries a negative connotation, often associated with corruption or injustice. However, in this context, the emphasis is on the covert nature of the bribe, suggesting a nuanced understanding of human interactions. While the Bible generally condemns bribery, this verse acknowledges the reality of human nature and the ways in which discreet actions can sometimes lead to peace. pacifies great wrath
The phrase "pacifies great wrath" speaks to the potential of a discreet offering to defuse intense anger. The Hebrew word for "pacifies" (יָשִׁיב, yashiv) means to turn back or bring to rest. "Great wrath" indicates a level of anger that is overwhelming and potentially destructive. The verse suggests that wisdom involves knowing how to address such emotions effectively, often through subtle and thoughtful actions. This reflects the biblical principle of using discernment and understanding to foster peace and reconciliation. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His insights into human behavior and relationships are reflected in this verse. 2. Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical context of this proverb is rooted in ancient Israel, where social and legal systems often involved personal interactions and negotiations. 3. Gift-givingIn the context of this verse, gift-giving is a practice used to influence emotions and resolve conflicts, a common custom in ancient Near Eastern cultures. Teaching Points The Power of DiscretionThe verse highlights the importance of discretion in resolving conflicts. A gift given in secret can be a wise and tactful way to soothe anger without causing public embarrassment or further conflict. Understanding Human NatureRecognizing that people can be influenced by thoughtful gestures helps us navigate relationships more effectively. This understanding can lead to more harmonious interactions. Ethical ConsiderationsWhile the verse acknowledges the effectiveness of gifts in pacifying anger, it also raises questions about the ethics of such actions. Believers are encouraged to consider the motives and potential consequences of their actions. Conflict ResolutionThe principle of using gifts to soothe anger can be applied in modern contexts as a metaphor for using kindness and generosity to resolve disputes and build bridges. Wisdom in RelationshipsApplying wisdom in our interactions, as Solomon advises, can lead to more peaceful and productive relationships. This involves being thoughtful and intentional in our actions. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the cultural context of ancient Israel influence the understanding of Proverbs 21:14, and how can we apply this understanding today? 2. In what ways can the principle of giving a "gift in secret" be applied in modern conflict resolution, both in personal and professional settings? 3. How do the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 5:23-24, expand upon the wisdom found in Proverbs 21:14? 4. What ethical considerations should a Christian keep in mind when using gifts or gestures to influence others, and how can we ensure our motives align with biblical principles? 5. Reflect on a time when a thoughtful gesture or gift helped resolve a conflict in your life. How can this experience inform your approach to future disputes? Connections to Other Scriptures Matthew 5:23-24This passage emphasizes reconciliation and the importance of resolving anger and disputes, aligning with the theme of soothing anger through thoughtful actions. 1 Samuel 25The account of Abigail and David illustrates the use of gifts to pacify anger and prevent conflict, similar to the principle in Proverbs 21:14. James 1:19-20These verses highlight the importance of being slow to anger, which complements the idea of using wisdom and tact to manage wrath. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Anger, Angry, Averts, Bosom, Bribe, Cloak, Concealed, Feelings, Folds, Fury, Gift, Heat, Money, Offering, Pacifies, Pacifieth, Present, Reward, Robe, Secret, Soothes, Strong, Subdues, Vehement, WrathDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 21:14 5238 bribery
5325 gifts Library Definition of Actual Grace
1. GENERAL NOTION OF GRACE.--The best way to arrive at a correct definition of actual grace is by the synthetic method. We therefore begin with the general notion of grace. Like "nature,"(3) grace (gratia, {GREEK SMALL LETTER CHI}{GREEK SMALL LETTER ALPHA WITH OXIA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER RHO}{GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER FINAL SIGMA}) is a word of wide reach, used in a great variety of senses. Habert(4) enumerates no less than fourteen; which, however, may be reduced to four. a) Subjectively, …
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and HabitualEpistle xxi. To Constantina Augusta .
To Constantina Augusta [1593] . Gregory to Constantina, &c. Almighty God, who holds in His right hand the heart of your Piety, both protects us through you and prepares for you rewards of eternal remuneration for temporal deeds. For I have learnt from the letters of the deacon Sabinianus my responsalis with what justice your Serenity is interested in the cause of the blessed Prince of the apostles Peter against certain persons who are proudly humble and feignedly kind. And I trust in the bounty …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Epistle Cvi. To Syagrius, Ætherius, virgilius, and Desiderius, Bishops .
To Syagrius, Ætherius, Virgilius, and Desiderius, Bishops [65] . Gregory to Syagrius of Augustodunum (Autun), Etherius of Lugdunum (Lyons), Virgilius of Aretale (Arles), and Desiderius of Vienna (Vienne), bishops of Gaul. A paribus. Our Head, which is Christ, has to this end willed us to be His members, that through the bond of charity and faith He might make us one body in Himself. And to Him it befits us so to adhere in heart, that, since without Him we can be nothing, through Him we may …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great How the Slothful and the Hasty are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 16.) Differently to be admonished are the slothful and the hasty. For the former are to be persuaded not to lose, by putting it off, the good they have to do; but the latter are to be admonished lest, while they forestall the time of good deeds by inconsiderate haste, they change their meritorious character. To the slothful therefore it is to be intimated, that often, when we will not do at the right time what we can, before long, when we will, we cannot. For the very indolence of …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great How those are to be Admonished who Desire not the Things of Others, but Keep their Own; and those who Give of their Own, yet Seize
(Admonition 22.) Differently to be admonished are those who neither desire what belongs to others nor bestow what is their own, and those who give of what they have, and yet desist not from seizing on what belongs to others. Those who neither desire what belongs to others nor bestow what is their own are to be admonished to consider carefully that the earth out of which they are taken is common to all men, and therefore brings forth nourishment for all in common. Vainly, then, do those suppose …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to Heaven:
TOGETHER WITH THE WAY HE RUNS IN, THE MARKS HE GOES BY; ALSO, SOME DIRECTIONS HOW TO RUN SO AS TO OBTAIN. 'And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain: escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.'--Genesis 19:17. London: Printed for John Marshall, at the Bible in Gracechurch Street, 1698. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. About forty years ago a gentleman, in whose company I had commenced my …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 "And the Life. " How Christ is the Life.
This, as the former, being spoken indefinitely, may be universally taken, as relating both to such as are yet in the state of nature, and to such as are in the state of grace, and so may be considered in reference to both, and ground three points of truth, both in reference to the one, and in reference to the other; to wit, 1. That our case is such as we stand in need of his help, as being the Life. 2. That no other way but by him, can we get that supply of life, which we stand in need of, for he …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life How Christ is the Way in General, "I am the Way. "
We come now to speak more particularly to the words; and, first, Of his being a way. Our design being to point at the way of use-making of Christ in all our necessities, straits, and difficulties which are in our way to heaven; and particularly to point out the way how believers should make use of Christ in all their particular exigencies; and so live by faith in him, walk in him, grow up in him, advance and march forward toward glory in him. It will not be amiss to speak of this fulness of Christ …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists.
The object of this chapter is to present a rudimentary outline and summary of all that Augustin penned or spoke against those traditional North African Christians whom he was pleased to regard as schismatics. It will be arranged, so far as may be, in chronological order, following the dates suggested by the Benedictine edition. The necessary brevity precludes anything but a very meagre treatment of so considerable a theme. The writer takes no responsibility for the ecclesiological tenets of the …
St. Augustine—writings in connection with the donatist controversy. Paul's Departure and Crown;
OR, AN EXPOSITION UPON 2 TIM. IV. 6-8 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR How great and glorious is the Christian's ultimate destiny--a kingdom and a crown! Surely it hath not entered into the heart of man to conceive what ear never heard, nor mortal eye ever saw? the mansions of the blest--the realms of glory--'a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.' For whom can so precious an inheritance be intended? How are those treated in this world who are entitled to so glorious, so exalted, so eternal, …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Proverbs 21:14 NIVProverbs 21:14 NLTProverbs 21:14 ESVProverbs 21:14 NASBProverbs 21:14 KJV
Proverbs 21:14 Commentaries
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