Proverbs 18:16

16 A man's gift enlarges him, and seats him among princes.

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 wise servant calms a man's anger; but who can endure a faint-hearted man?

15 The heart of the sensible purchases discretion; and the ears of the wise seek understanding.

16 A man's gift enlarges him, and seats him among princes.

17 A righteous man accuses himself at the beginning of his speech, but when he has entered upon the attack, the adversary is reproved.

18 A silent quells strifes, and determines between great powers.

Footnotes

• [a]. See Ps 188. (119) 32.
• [b]. Comp. Mark 14. ult. and margin, with 2 Tim 4. 14-17.