Verse 8
8. A gift This is supposed to mean that kind of gift which is given to a judge or rider to secure favour, or escape punishment a bribe. Zockler thinks it is not a bribe, but a lawful present, as Proverbs 18:16. Precious stone Hebrews, a stone of grace (Proverbs 1:9) or beauty; a precious stone.
Him that hath it Literally, its possessor, the person to whom it is given.
Whithersoever it turneth it prospereth Or, it looks well, appears beautiful; that is, in the eyes of him that sees it. The verb, as is common, has a variety of significations, and possibly more than one of them may be intended here. One of them is, to succeed in the design for which it was given. This it does by appearing desirable in the eyes of its receiver. Some suggest this thought: A diamond reflects a great deal of light when viewed on this side and on that. Turn it as you will, it never fails to reflect lustre. So a bribe, or even a lawful present, will influence in many ways, perhaps without a consciousness of its power on the part of the receiver. Turn which way he will, its influence will follow him. Conant renders the last clause, “To whomsoever it turns.” Comp. Proverbs 18:16.
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