John Trapp on Proverbs 21:14

Verſ. 14. A gift in ſecret pacifieth anger] That is, ſay ſome, alms rightly performed, as Matth. 6.1. pacifieth Gods diſpleaſure (confer Dan. 4.27.) And the Jews at this day write this ſentence of Solomon (in an abbreviature) upon their Alms-box. This ſenſe ſuits well with the verſe afore-going.Buxtorf. Synag. Jud. But I conceive the Wiſe-mans drift here, is to ſhew how prevalent gifts are (if cloſely conveyed) eſpecially (which takes away the ſhame of open receiving) and what a pave they have to an amicable reconciliation. Thus Jacob pacified Eſau, Abigail David, Hezekiah the Aſſyrian that came up againſt him, 2 King. 18.24, 25. Howbeit this doth not alwaies do the deed. Our Chronicler tells us, that the Lady de Bruſe had by her virulent and railing tongue more exaſperated the fury of King John (whom ſhee reviled as a Tyrant, and a murtherer of her husband) than could bee pacified by her ſtrange preſent (viz. four hundred Kine, Speed. 572. and one Bull, all Milk-white, except onely the ears which were red) ſent unto the Queen. See the Note on Chap. 17.8.