A gift in secret averts anger, and a concealed bribe, strong wrath.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 21:14
What does Proverbs 21:14 mean?
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Proverbs 21:14
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What's subtle here is the emphasis on secrecy. The verse suggests a hidden gift or bribe is more effective, not just because it's unexpected, but because it spares the receiver shame and the giver ostentation. This implies that true reconciliation or appeasement often happens away from public view, in quieter, more humble exchanges.
A gift in secret averts anger, and a concealed bribe, strong wrath.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings, often contrasting wise and foolish actions. This verse follows verses discussing the foolishness of mocking the poor and the consequences of injustice, highlighting the importance of righteous behavior. It directly addresses the power of appeasement, specifically how a discreet gift can defuse anger, a theme revisited from earlier proverbs.
Ever faced someone's fierce anger and felt helpless? This verse offers a practical, albeit morally complex, strategy that even kings had to contend with.
This proverb dives into the human dynamic of anger and how it can be defused. The key isn't what the gift is, but how it's given.
A Secret Soother
The verse highlights that a gift offered discreetly has a profound effect. When someone is deeply angry, a public presentation of a gift can feel like an insult or a show of arrogance. But a secret offering bypasses pride and directly addresses the raw emotion.
The Power of the Unexpected
It's about catching the angry person off guard, not with more confrontation, but with a gesture of reconciliation. This isn't about manipulation, but about understanding the emotional currents that drive conflict and de-escalation.
We often hear 'gift' and think 'bribe.' But this proverb hints at a deeper truth about appeasing human — and sometimes even divine — wrath.
While the verse certainly describes the effect of bribery, its meaning can extend beyond mere illicit payments.
Averting Wrath, Not Just Buying Favor
The primary focus is on averting anger. This means stopping something destructive before it happens. Whether it's a judge's stern sentence, a powerful enemy's fury, or even, in some interpretations, God's judgment, a discreet offering can change the outcome.
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The Humble Offering
An open gift can breed pride in the giver and shame in the receiver. A secret gift, however, bypasses these ego traps. It shows a willingness to humble oneself and seek peace, which is often more potent than any overt display of wealth or power.
Understand the original words
mattan · Hebrew Noun
An offering or present given to someone, often to gain favor or show respect. In legal or relational contexts, it can be used for good or, if misused as a bribe, can become a tool for corruption.
This passage directly illustrates Proverbs 21:14, showing Abigail secretly bringing a substantial gift to David, who was filled with wrath, to avert his anger and save her household.
Esther 5:3Queen Esther, needing to turn away King Ahasuerus's potential wrath, uses a strategic gift (a banquet) to approach him, demonstrating how a well-timed offering can soften a ruler's heart.
Matthew 5:25While not about gifts, Jesus' counsel to 'settle matters quickly with your adversary on the way' speaks to the wisdom of proactively resolving conflict before anger escalates to severe consequences, echoing the preventative nature of the gift in Proverbs.
Luke 11:41Jesus teaches 'give to the needy, and all things will be clean for you,' which can be seen as a spiritual parallel, suggesting that acts of generosity and kindness have the power to appease and purify, much like a gift appeases anger.
jfbProverbs 21:14: "A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath."
- The effect of bribery (Pr 17:23) is enhanced by secrecy, as the bribed person does not wish his motives made known.
bensonProverbs 21:14: "A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath."
Proverbs 21:14 . A gift — Bestowed on a person offended and angry with us, as the following words show; in secret — That is, given in secret, which makes it more acceptable; for gifts openly given savour of ostentation in the giver: and cause some shame to the receiver; pacifieth anger — Removes all resentment, and conciliates love; and a reward in the bosom — Secretly conveyed into the bosom; strong wra…
What's subtle here is the emphasis on secrecy. The verse suggests a hidden gift or bribe is more effective, not just because it's unexpected, but because it spares the receiver shame and the giver ostentation. This implies that true reconciliation or appeasement often happens away from public view, in quieter, more humble exchanges.
The book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings, often contrasting wise and foolish actions. This verse follows verses discussing the foolishness of mocking the poor and the consequences of injustice, highlighting the importance of righteous behavior. It directly addresses the power of appeasement, specifically how a discreet gift can defuse anger, a theme revisited from earlier proverbs.
The book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings, often contrasting wise and foolish actions. This verse follows verses discussing the foolishness of mocking the poor and the consequences of injustice, highlighting the importance of righteous behavior. It directly addresses the power of appeasement, specifically how a discreet gift can defuse anger, a theme revisited from earlier proverbs.
"A gift in secret averts anger, and a concealed bribe, strong wrath." — What's subtle here is the emphasis on secrecy. The verse suggests a hidden gift or bribe is more effective, not just because it's unexpected, but because it spares the receiver shame and the giver…
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Last reviewed October 2026