Proverbs 21:14 - Exposition

A gift in secret pacifieth anger . We have had above various maxims about bribes and presents; e.g. Proverbs 17:8 , Proverbs 17:23 ; Proverbs 18:16 . The word translated "pacifieth" is from the ἅπαξ λεγόμενον verb כֵפָה , "to turn away," "avert." Septuagint, ἀνατρέπει ; Vulgate, extinguit ; Venetian, κάμψει . A gift offered secretly to one incensed, whether personal enemy, judge, or prince, averts the consequences of the offence. The next hemistich is parallel in meaning. And a reward ( present ) in the bosom strong wrath. A present kept handy in the bosom of the petitioner's garment, ready to be transferred at a fitting moment, as experience proves, calms the most violent wrath. Septuagint, "He that is sparing of gifts amuses strong wrath."