A Gift in Secret - Proverbs 21:14

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “Whoso stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard”, and in chapter twenty-one and verse fourteen of Proverbs Solomon said, “a gift in secret pacifies anger” where we read,

A gift in secret pacifies anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.

The verse begins, “A gift in secret pacifies anger:” Solomon began with the words, “a gift in secret” or “a present or reward given clandestinely, with cover and in hiding” “pacifies anger” which means “smoothes over, subdues and tames wrath that wrinkles the nostrils or nose”. Solomon shared how a present or reward given clandestinely calms and tames wrath. 

The verse continues, “and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.” Solomon added the words, “and a reward” or “and a bribe or present” “in the bosom” which means “within the hollow, bottom or midst” “strong wrath” or “mighty, fierce and mighty displeasure, indignation, anger and burning rage”. Solomon said a bribe or present within a person's midst “pacifies” mighty displeasure and indignation. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we discover through Solomon how “gifts” and “rewards” influence people especially when it comes to subduing their “anger and wrath”. God wants us to employ His wisdom when we encounter people who are enraged, and when we offer them presents and rewards, their ire may subside. God knew we needed a Savior because we have sin in our lives. He sent His Son Jesus into this world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when we believe and trust in Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth and wisdom for managing people who are violently filled with rage. (See John 16:33)

Next time Solomon says, “it is joy to the just to do judgment”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".