8  ^yA bribe is like a magic¹ stone in the eyes of the one who gives it;

wherever he turns he prospers.

11  An evil man seeks only rebellion,

and ^ba cruel messenger will be sent against him.

12  Let a man meet ^ca she-bear robbed of her cubs

^drather than a fool in his folly.

23  The wicked accepts ^qa bribe in secret¹

to ^rpervert the ways of justice.