A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before the great.
Many seek the favor of a generous man, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.
Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: take some of the choice fruits of the land in your bags, and carry a present down to the man, a little balm and a little honey, gum, myrrh, pistachio nuts, and almonds.
A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of the one who gives it; wherever he turns he prospers.
And now let this present that your servant has brought to my lord be given to the young men who follow my lord.
Jacob said, “No, please, if I have found favor in your sight, then accept my present from my hand. For I have seen your face, which is like seeing the face of God, and you have accepted me.
and you shall say, ‘Moreover, your servant Jacob is behind us.’” For he thought, “I may appease him with the present that goes ahead of me, and afterward I shall see his face. Perhaps he will accept me.”
A gift in secret averts anger, and a concealed bribe, strong wrath.
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