PROVERBS CHAPTER 17.
V. 8. A gift is as a precious stone, literally, “a stone of loveliness,” of charming grace, in the eyes of him that hath it, the reference apparently being to the case of one who is stimulated by the prospect of a rich gift or bribe and therefore works with all the greater earnestness; whithersoever it turneth, that is, to whomsoever the gift comes, it prospereth, making prosperous, securing for its giver supporters and friends.
V. 9. He that covereth a transgression, in a kindly and charitable manner avoiding the spread of evil reports, seeketh love, exercising it in a proper manner; but he that repeateth a matter, referring to certain transgressions time and again, keeping the memory of them alive, causing people to point the finger of scorn at the transgressor, separateth very friends, for suspicion and ill will is bound to destroy friendship.
V. 10. A reproof entereth more into a wise man, makes a deeper and more lasting impression, has better consequences, than an hundred stripes into a fool, for the fool is callous and cannot be influenced.
V. 11. An evil man seeketh only rebellion, that is, he who rebels against the Lord in willful transgression of His Law has evil in mind; therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him, that is, evil will be punished with inexorable severity.