1)

What is "Even Chen"?

1.

Rashi: When a person comes in front of Hashem and appeases Him with words and returns to Him, it is a gem and pearls in His eyes.

2.

R. Yonah: After a person is used to taking bribes, it is dear in his eyes like a gem. He will not scorn it due to the lowliness of the deed (taking a bribe). When a person begins sinning in a matter, he scorns it, just need and Ones bring him to sin.

3.

Malbim: The verse warns against take bribes, "Ki ha'Shochad Ye'aver Einei Chachamim" (Shemos 23:8). Even if he thinks that he will not tilt the verdict and he will judge Emes based on the laws of Chachmah, a bribe blinds the eyes of Sechel. It seems to him that it is Emes and he does not tilt Mishpat. Therefore, a bribe is compared to a stone that has grace in the eyes of its owner. There is a stone that gives grace on the bearer. It seems to him that he does not need any efforts; he will succeed in all that he turns to. He will find grace everywhere, in everyone's eyes, even if he is not worthy. Similarly, one who gives a bribe, he does not arrange his claims to merit in Mishpat, for he relies on this stone that he bears to find grace in the judge's eyes to do his will. A bribe blinds Chachamim's eyes, just like Even Chen blinds eyes from seeing what is proper, for he has grace without reason.

2)

What is the meaning of "El Kol Asher Yifneh Yaskil"?

1.

Rashi: All that he asks from Him, He will make him succeed.

2.

R. Yonah: The one who gave the bribe, whatever claims he will claim, the receiver of the bribe will want to justify him, and will find reasons to vindicate him. A person's desire closes the eyes of his Sechel from seeing the Emes. Sechel is drawn after desire. A person does not see liability for himself (Shabbos 119a). The verse teaches why one should not take bribes, even with intent to judge Emes, for his heart turns to vindicate the giver.

Sefer: Perek: Pasuk:

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