Conned

(Pro 17:8 KJV) A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.

How are we to get things done?  What are the tools of success?  Here we see acknowledgment that bribery works.  As I study this today it does not seem that this is a mark of approval, just an observation of cause and effect.  This type of person looks at the “bribe” (7810) like a magic elixir that causes the results he desires. 

People can be bought.  It can be through money but is not limited to that.  How many of us find ourselves won over by flattery?  It is easy to compromise simply to avoid criticism or to embrace being part of the group. 

So?  This could be taken as a warning for us as much as a comment on how some people operate.  This is why it is so important for us to know right from wrong.  It is vital that our moral standards are based on the righteousness of God rather than the whim of our contemporaries.  If we end up buying a cool pair of shoes it is not the end of the world but if we are conned into rejecting someone in need of kindness we could have effected an eternity.