The Magic Potion

A bribe is a charm in the sight of its owner; wherever he turns, he prospers. Proverbs 17:8

Charm – Why offer a bribe? Solomon observes that the one who offers a bribe (the word means a gift that carries selfish intention) absolutely believes that he will achieve his purposes with its use. It is the ‘eben hen (literally, stone of favor). It is the lucky charm that makes my wish come true.

Does Solomon endorse bribery? Does Solomon really think that the use of power, wealth or favor will cause this man to prosper? Not at all! What Solomon observes is that the person who uses a bribe does so because he is convinced that the bribe will bring about his desire. It is a belief in control. If I can’t get what I want through legitimate means, then I will get it through illegitimate means. What Solomon notes is that the only reason for a bribe is the assumption that the bribe brings about what I want.

Of course, we don’t behave this way, do we? We would never offer a bribe to bring about our desired purpose. We are willing to let God work out the circumstances in our lives, aren’t we?

That’s why we give flowers after we have spoken an unkind word. It wasn’t really a bribe, was it? Or we make promises we know that other person wants to hear. Or we hint at favoritism or pleasure. We manipulate circumstances, emotions, gifts and graciousness in order to get what we want. But it’s not bribery, is it?

Solomon’s insight is simple. If we let God take care of the circumstances of life and we faithfully manage the vertical relationship with Him, the need to control others disappears. When the need to manage my circumstances is given over to God’s hand, bribes are seen for what they truly are – attempts to act with sovereignty over others. You don’t have to hand over an envelope full of money to believe in bribes. All you have to do is manipulate life around you for your own ends.

Take a fearless moral inventory of your own manipulation techniques. Then ask yourself why you are so desperate to control others. Bribes come in all shapes and sizes but not a single one recognizes the God Who is.