Proverbs 18:16

16 A person's gift clears his way and gives him access to the great.

Proverbs 18:16 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 18:16

A man's gift maketh room for him
Or "enlarges him" F25; brings him out of prison, or, or out of straits and difficulties with which he, has, been pressed; or it makes way for him to a judge, and for a favourable hearing of his cause; or it enlarges his acquaintance, and gains him respect among men; and bringeth him before great men;
it opens a way for him into the presence and company of great men, being a fee to their servants; or with it he procures a place to wait on them. It is not necessary to understand it of a gift by way of bribe; but to introduce a person to another, and render him acceptable, and appease anger; as in the cases of Jacob and Abigail, ( Genesis 32:20 ) ( 43:11 ) ( 1 Samuel 25:27 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F25 (byxry) .

Proverbs 18:16 In-Context

14 A person's spirit can sustain him when ill, but a crushed spirit - who can bear it?
15 The mind of a person with discernment gets knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 A person's gift clears his way and gives him access to the great.
17 The first to state his case seems right, till the other one comes and cross-examines.
18 Casting lots puts an end to strife and separates powerful disputants.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.