Proverbs 18:16

16 A man's ¹gift makes room for him And brings him before great men.

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 The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, But as for a broken spirit who can bear it?

15 The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16 A man's gift makes room for him And brings him before great men.

17 The first to plead his case seems right, Until another comes and examines him.

18 The cast lot puts an end to strife And decides between the mighty ones.

Cross References

• 1. Genesis 32:20; 1 Samuel 25:27