A bribe is seen as a charm by those who give it; they think success will come at every turn.
NIV
A bribe is like a bright, precious stone that dazzles the eyes and affects the mind of him who gives it; [as if by magic] he prospers, whichever way he turns.
AMP
A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
KJV
The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but people are tested by their praise.
NIV
As the refining pot for silver and the furnace for gold [bring forth all the impurities of the metal], so let a man be in his trial of praise [ridding himself of all that is base or insincere; for a man is judged by what he praises and of what he boasts].
AMP
She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
NIV
She makes for herself coverlets, cushions, and rugs of tapestry. Her clothing is of linen, pure and fine, and of purple [such as that of which the clothing of the priests and the hallowed cloths of the temple were made]. [Isa. 61:10; I Tim. 2:9; Rev. 3:5; 19:8, 14.]AMP
She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
KJV
Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes the spirit of his master.
NIV
Like the cold of snow [brought from the mountains] in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those who send him; for he refreshes the life of his masters.
AMP
As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.
KJV
