A bribe is seen as a charm by the one who gives it;
    they think success will come at every turn.(A)

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A present is a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor;
Wherever he turns, he prospers.

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18 One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge
    and puts up security for a neighbor.(A)

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18 (A)A man devoid of [a]understanding [b]shakes hands in a pledge,
And becomes [c]surety for his friend.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 17:18 Lit. heart
  2. Proverbs 17:18 Lit. strikes the hands
  3. Proverbs 17:18 guaranty or collateral

23 The wicked accept bribes(A) in secret
    to pervert the course of justice.(B)

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23 A wicked man accepts a bribe [a]behind the back
To pervert the ways of justice.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 17:23 Under cover, lit. from the bosom