Proverbs 18:16

16 A man’s ¹gift makes room for him and brings him before 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 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F25 (byxry) .

Proverbs 18:16 In-Context

14 A man’s spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?

15 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16 A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before the great.

17 The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.

18 The lot puts an end to quarrels and decides between powerful contenders.

Cross References

• 1. 18:16 [Gen. 32:20; 1 Sam. 25:27]; See ch. 17:8