Proverbs 18:16

16 A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.

Proverbs 18:16 in Other Translations

16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

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

16 Giving a gift can open doors; it gives access to important people!

16 A gift gets attention; it buys the attention of eminent people.

16 A man's gift maketh room for him, And bringeth him before great men.

16 A gift opens doors for the one who gives it and brings him into the presence of great people.

16 A gift opens doors for a man and brings him before the great.

16 A gift opens the way for the one who gives it. It helps him meet important people.

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 human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?

15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.

16 A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.

17 In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines.

18 Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart.

Cross References

• 1. S Genesis 32:13; S 1 Samuel 10:4; Proverbs 19:6; Genesis 32:20