Proverbs 18:16

16 A gift opens doors^[a] for a man and brings him before the great.^[b]

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 man's spirit can endure sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?

15 The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it.

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

17 The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.

18 [Casting] the lot ends quarrels and separates powerful opponents.

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit gift makes room
• [b]. Pr 17:8; 19:6; 21:14