⁶ Many seek the favor of a generous man,^[a]
    and everyone is a friend to a man who gives ^(A)gifts.

²⁶ Many ^(A)seek the face of a ruler,
    but it is from the Lord that a man ^(B)gets justice.

¹⁶ A man's ^(A)gift makes room for him
    and brings him before the great.

^8 (A)A bribe is like a magic^[a] stone in the eyes of the one who gives it;
    wherever he turns he prospers.

^14 (A)A gift in secret averts anger,
    and a concealed bribe,^[a] strong wrath.

¹² A king's wrath is like ^(A)the growling of a lion,
    but his ^(B)favor is like ^(C)dew on the grass.

²⁴ I smiled on them when they had no confidence,
    and ^(A)the light of my ^(B)face they did not cast down.
²⁵ I chose their way and sat as chief,
    and I lived like ^(C)a king among his troops,
    like one who comforts mourners.