Exegesis of Proverbs 17:8 and the Meaning of "Present"
Proverbs 17:8, in the King James Version, states: "A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever he turneth, it prospereth" [1]. The Basic English Bible (BBE) renders this verse similarly: "An offering of money is like a stone of great price in the eyes of him who has it: wherever he goes, he does well" [4]. This proverb addresses the perceived power and influence of a "gift" or "offering of money" in the ancient Near Eastern context.
The book of Proverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Old Testament, offering practical guidance for living a righteous and prosperous life. It frequently contrasts wisdom with folly, and righteousness with wickedness, often using pithy, memorable sayings [9]. For instance, Proverbs 16:8 states, "Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues with injustice" [3], which provides a moral counterpoint to the pragmatic observation in 17:8. The broader context of Proverbs often highlights the importance of ethical conduct and the dangers of ill-gotten gain, even while acknowledging the realities of human behavior and societal structures [10].
The key term in Proverbs 17:8 is "gift" (מַתָּן, mattan). While the King James Version translates it as "gift," the BBE's "offering of money" [4] clarifies the nature of this "gift" as something given to influence. The phrase "precious stone" (אֶבֶן חֵן, ʾeven ḥen) suggests something highly valued and attractive, implying that such a gift holds significant sway [1]. The proverb observes that "whithersoever he turneth, it prospereth," indicating the perceived efficacy of such a gift in achieving desired outcomes. This suggests that the "gift" functions as a bribe, capable of opening doors and ensuring success for the giver.
Interpreters have approached Proverbs 17:8 in various ways. Some understand it as a cynical observation about the corrupting power of money and gifts in society. It describes how things are, rather than how they should be. The proverb, in this view, is not endorsing bribery but merely stating a common reality: a well-placed gift can facilitate success, regardless of the justice of the cause [4]. This aligns with other proverbs that acknowledge the realities of human nature and societal imperfections, even as they advocate for righteousness.
Other interpretations consider the "gift" in a more neutral or even positive light, as a means of gaining favor or access, which might not always be illicit. In some cultural contexts, gift-giving is an integral part of social interaction and negotiation, not necessarily implying corruption. However, the context of Proverbs, which frequently warns against injustice and perversion of judgment, leans towards a more critical reading of such "gifts" when they influence outcomes [3]. The book often contrasts the temporary prosperity gained through unrighteousness with the lasting blessings of wisdom and integrity, as seen in Proverbs 8:18, which states, "Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness" [1].
The word "present" in the question's title does not appear in Proverbs 17:8 in the King James Version [1] or the BBE [4]. It is possible that the question intends to refer to a different biblical passage where the concept of "present" is significant. For instance, the term "present" appears in Revelation 17:8, which describes the beast that "was, and is not; and shall be present" [2]. This passage in Revelation refers to the beast's cyclical appearance and disappearance, indicating its ongoing, though intermittent, presence and influence [2]. The Tyndale House commentary on Revelation 17:8 explains that this refers to the beast's past existence, current absence, and future reappearance, drawing parallels to figures like Nero and Domitian, who were seen as embodying evil [5]. The beast "was once alive but isn’t now . . . will soon come up," highlighting its recurring nature [5].
Another instance where "present" is significant is in the book of Hebrews. In Hebrews 8, the "sum" or "principal point" of the author's argument is described using a present participle, indicating an ongoing reality rather than a past event [6]. Similarly, Hebrews 13:8 states, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever" [7]. Here, "today" signifies Jesus's "present" reality and continuous nature [7]. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown commentary emphasizes that Jesus Christ remains "the same" through all ages, supporting believers in the past ("yesterday") and continuing to do so "to-day" and "unto the ages" [7]. Tyndale House further elaborates that "today" refers to Jesus currently sitting at the Father's right hand and ruling the universe [8]. This concept of "present" in Hebrews emphasizes the enduring and active presence of Christ.
Therefore, if the question's reference to "present" is indeed linked to Proverbs 17:8, it might be an attempt to connect the proverb's observation about the immediate efficacy of a gift to a broader theological concept of presence. However, the direct textual evidence from Proverbs 17:8 itself does not use the word "present" in a way that aligns with the theological discussions found in Revelation or Hebrews. The proverb focuses on the immediate, tangible impact of a "gift" or "offering of money" [1, 4].
Sources
- King James Version “[KJV] Proverbs 8:18 — Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.”
- Revelation “The beast that you saw was, and is not; and is about to come up out of the abyss and to go into destruction. Those who dwell on the earth and whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel when they see that the beast was, and is not, and shall be present. -- Revelation 17:8”
- Proverbs “Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues with injustice. -- Proverbs 16:8”
- Proverbs “Proverbs 17:8 (BBE) — An offering of money is like a stone of great price in the eyes of him who has it: wherever he goes, he does well.”
- Revelation (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Revelation 17:8: 17:8-11 The destruction within this vision contrasts with the destiny of the people of God in the new heaven and earth (see 21:1-4). 17:8 The beast . . . was once alive but isn’t now . . . will soon come up: When Domitian became emperor (AD 81–96), he was as evil as Nero (both were fierce persecutors of the church), and many thought he was the embodiment of Nero’s spirit, if not Nero himself (perhaps similar to the way that John the Baptist was considered to embody Elijah’s spirit; see Mal 4:5; Matt 11:14; Luke 1:17; John 1:21). • you saw: The past tense indic”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 8 (introduction): CHRIST, THE HIGH PRIEST IN THE TRUE SANCTUARY, SUPERSEDING THE LEVITICAL PRIESTHOOD; THE NEW RENDERS OBSOLETE THE OLD COVENANT. (Heb 8:1-13) the sum--rather, "the principal point"; for the participle is present, not past, which would be required if the meaning were "the sum." "The chief point in (or, 'in the case'; so the Greek, Heb 9:10, Heb 9:15, Heb 9:17) the things which we are speaking," literally, "which are being spoken." such--so transcendently pre-eminent, namely in this respect, that "He is set on the right hand of," &c. Infin”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 13:8: This verse is not, as some read it, in apposition with "the end of their conversation" (Heb 13:7), but forms the transition. "Jesus Christ, yesterday and to-day (is) the same, and (shall be the same) unto the ages (that is, unto all ages)." The Jesus Christ (the full name being given, to mark with affectionate solemnity both His person and His office) who supported your spiritual rulers through life even unto their end "yesterday" (in times past), being at once "the Author and the Finisher of their faith" (Heb 12:2), remains still the same Jesus Chris”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 13:8: 13:8 Though the community was facing new challenges, Jesus Christ is the same, and his Good News does not change. • yesterday: Jesus was the Father’s agent in creation (1:2, 10). • today: Jesus currently sits at the Father’s right hand (1:13; 7:26-28; 10:12). He will rule the universe forever (1:8, 10-12).”
- Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 8 (introduction): INTRODUCTION TO PROVERBS 8 This chapter contains the instructions of Wisdom or Christ; showing the excellency of them, and the author of them, in opposition to the harlot and her allurements, in the preceding chapter. Christ, under the name of Wisdom, is represented as an herald, publishing the Gospel in the ministry of the word, either in person or by his servants, Pro 8:1. The places where this proclamation is made are described, Pro 8:2; the persons to whom, Pro 8:4. The excellency of the things delivered, being right things; truth, agreeably to the”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 16:8: (Compare Pro 15:6, Pro 15:16-17).”