7 Fine speech is not becoming to a fool;
still less is false speech to a prince.
8 A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of the one who gives it;
wherever he turns he prospers.
9 Whoever covers an offense seeks love,
but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.
Those in positions of authority are counted on by their communities to be trustworthy. Leaders must refrain from any temptation to lie. Just as eloquent speech doesn’t typify the fool, those who rule should not be characterized by speaking untruthfully. A bribe has the power to influence decisions and choices, and those who use bribery will often successfully manipulate the wicked. But God will not show favoritism to any, and so the woman who seeks the Lord refuses to show partiality as well. The righteous woman promotes forgiveness and reconciliation between the members of her community. But the wicked woman uses gossip to destroy relationships. She continually repeats the wrongdoing of others and is pleased when friendships end. God desires his people to live together in harmony. Think about your conversations over the last week. Are you one who promotes love or strife? What would your family, friends, and neighbors say? Why not ask?