Proverbs 17:8

A gift is as a precious stone, &c.— A gift is so tempting, that it can be no more refused than a precious jewel by him to whom it is presented, if he be not under the influences of Divine grace, and the bribe come up to his price. Such is its power in those cases, that it too often prevails, dispatches business, carries causes, and, in a word, effects whatever a man desires: But O, how detestable a practice in the sight of a just God! See chap. Proverbs 18:18 and Bishop Patrick.