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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 18:16 A man's gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/18-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/20_Pro_18_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 18:16 - The Selfishness of the Unfriendly" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="A man's gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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it gives access to important people!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before the great.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A person’s gift makes room for him And brings him before great people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A man&#8217s gift makes room for him And brings him before great men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />A man’s gift makes room for him And leads him into the presence of great men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />A man’s gift [given in love or courtesy] makes room for him And brings him before great men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A person’s gift opens doors for him and brings him before the great.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A gift opens doors for a man and brings him before the great. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A man's gift maketh room for him, And bringeth him before great men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />A gift will get you in to see anyone. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A gift opens doors for the one who gives it and brings him into the presence of great people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Do you want to meet an important person? Take a gift and it will be easy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />A person's gift opens doors for him, bringing him access to important people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A man?s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A person's gift makes room for him, and leads him before important people. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The gift of a man makes room for him, "" And it leads him before the great.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The gift of a man maketh room for him, And before the great it leadeth him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The gift of a man will enlarge to him, and shall conduct him before the great.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />A man's gift enlargeth his may, and maketh him room before princes. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />A man’s gift expands his way and makes space for him before leaders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Gifts clear the way for people, winning access to the great. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />A gift opens doors; it gives access to the great.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />A man's gifts make room for him and bring him before great men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />A man's gifts give him room and stand him before the great.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />A man's gift maketh room for him, And bringeth him before great men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A man's gift enlarges him, and seats him among princes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/18-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=3625" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/18.htm">The Selfishness of the Unfriendly</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: ’ā·ḏām (N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">A man’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/4976.htm" title="4976: mat·tān (N-msc) -- A gift. From nathan; a present.">gift</a> <a href="/hebrew/7337.htm" title="7337: yar·ḥîḇ (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To be or grow wide or large. A primitive root; to broaden.">opens doors</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">for him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5148.htm" title="5148: yan·ḥen·nū (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms:: 3mse) -- To lead, guide. A primitive root; to guide; by implication, to transport.">and brings him</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: wə·lip̄·nê (Conj-w, Prep-l:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before</a> <a href="/hebrew/1419.htm" title="1419: ḡə·ḏō·lîm (Adj-mp) -- Great. Or gadol; from gadal; great; hence, older; also insolent.">great men.</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/32-20.htm">Genesis 32:20</a></span><br />You are also to say, ‘Look, your servant Jacob is right behind us.’” For he thought, “I will appease Esau with the gift that is going before me. After that I can face him, and perhaps he will accept me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-27.htm">1 Samuel 25:27</a></span><br />Now let this gift your servant has brought to my lord be given to the young men who follow you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/10-1.htm">1 Kings 10:1-2</a></span><br />Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to test him with difficult questions. / She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones. And she came to Solomon and spoke to him all that was on her mind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/5-5.htm">2 Kings 5:5-6</a></span><br />“Go now,” said the king of Aram, “and I will send you with a letter to the king of Israel.” So Naaman departed, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten sets of clothing. / And the letter that he took to the king of Israel stated: “With this letter I am sending my servant Naaman, so that you may cure him of his leprosy.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/5-1.htm">Esther 5:1-2</a></span><br />On the third day, Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace across from the king’s quarters. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the royal courtroom, facing the entrance. / As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she found favor in his sight. The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther, and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/43-11.htm">Genesis 43:11-14</a></span><br />Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your packs and carry them down as a gift for the man—a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, pistachios and almonds. / Take double the silver with you so that you may return the silver that was put back into the mouths of your sacks. Perhaps it was a mistake. / Take your brother as well, and return to the man at once. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/9-7.htm">1 Samuel 9:7-8</a></span><br />“If we do go,” Saul replied, “what can we give the man? For the bread in our packs is gone, and there is no gift to take to the man of God. What do we have?” / The servant answered him again. “Look,” he said, “I have here in my hand a quarter shekel of silver. I will give it to the man of God, and he will tell us our way.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/9-23.htm">2 Chronicles 9:23-24</a></span><br />All the kings of the earth sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart. / Year after year, each visitor would bring his tribute: articles of silver and gold, clothing, weapons, spices, horses, and mules.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/42-8.htm">Job 42:8-10</a></span><br />So now, take seven bulls and seven rams, go to My servant Job, and sacrifice a burnt offering for yourselves. Then My servant Job will pray for you, for I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly. For you have not spoken accurately about Me, as My servant Job has.” / So Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite went and did as the LORD had told them; and the LORD accepted Job’s prayer. / After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his prosperity and doubled his former possessions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/33-10.htm">Genesis 33:10-11</a></span><br />But Jacob insisted, “No, please! If I have found favor in your sight, then receive this gift from my hand. For indeed, I have seen your face, and it is like seeing the face of God, since you have received me favorably. / Please accept my gift that was brought to you, because God has been gracious to me and I have all I need.” So Jacob pressed him until he accepted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/2-11.htm">Matthew 2:11</a></span><br />On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/10-4.htm">Acts 10:4</a></span><br />Cornelius stared at him in fear and asked, “What is it, Lord?” The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have ascended as a memorial offering before God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-23.htm">Matthew 5:23-24</a></span><br />So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, / leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/7-37.htm">Luke 7:37-38</a></span><br />When a sinful woman from that town learned that Jesus was dining there, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume. / As she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears and wipe them with her hair. Then she kissed His feet and anointed them with the perfume.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/24-26.htm">Acts 24:26</a></span><br />At the same time, he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe. So he sent for Paul frequently and talked with him.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/17-8.htm">Proverbs 17:8</a></b></br> A gift <i>is as</i> a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/19-6.htm">Proverbs 19:6</a></b></br> Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man <i>is</i> a friend to him that giveth gifts.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/21-14.htm">Proverbs 21:14</a></b></br> A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/17-23.htm">Gift</a> <a href="/psalms/74-16.htm">Giver</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-9.htm">Great</a> <a href="/psalms/49-10.htm">Letting</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-9.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-19.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-23.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-3.htm">Opens</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-24.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/psalms/80-9.htm">Room</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-31.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/21-14.htm">Gift</a> <a href="/isaiah/23-8.htm">Giver</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-22.htm">Great</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-20.htm">Letting</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-23.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-24.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-3.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm">Opens</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-5.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/songs/3-4.htm">Room</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-2.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 18</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/18-1.htm">A fool delights not in understanding</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>A man’s gift opens doors for him</b><br>This phrase suggests that a person's talents, skills, or offerings can create opportunities and pathways to success. In biblical times, gifts were often used to gain favor or access, as seen in the story of Jacob sending gifts to Esau to appease him (<a href="/genesis/32-13.htm">Genesis 32:13-21</a>). The concept of gifts opening doors is also reflected in the New Testament, where spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit to build up the church (<a href="/1_corinthians/12-4.htm">1 Corinthians 12:4-11</a>). Theologically, this can be seen as a principle of divine providence, where God uses the abilities He has given individuals to fulfill His purposes.<p><b>and brings him before great men</b><br>In ancient cultures, presenting a gift was a common practice to gain an audience with someone of higher status, such as a king or ruler. This is exemplified in the story of the Queen of Sheba bringing gifts to Solomon (<a href="/1_kings/10.htm">1 Kings 10:1-2</a>). The phrase implies that a person's abilities or offerings can lead to recognition and influence, allowing them to stand before leaders and decision-makers. This can be seen as a type of Christ, who, through His ultimate gift of sacrifice, brings believers into the presence of God (<a href="/hebrews/10-19.htm">Hebrews 10:19-22</a>). The verse underscores the importance of using one's God-given talents wisely to impact the world and fulfill one's calling.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>The author of Proverbs, known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings. He was the son of King David and Bathsheba and reigned as the king of Israel.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/great_men.htm">Great Men</a></b><br>Refers to individuals of influence, authority, or power. In the context of ancient Israel, this could include kings, nobles, or leaders.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/gift.htm">Gift</a></b><br>In the Hebrew context, the word "gift" ("mattanah") can refer to a present or offering, often given to gain favor or access.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_generosity.htm">The Power of Generosity</a></b><br>Gifts can pave the way for opportunities and relationships. Generosity can be a tool for influence and reconciliation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_giving.htm">Wisdom in Giving</a></b><br>Not all gifts are material. Wisdom is needed to discern when and what to give, ensuring that our gifts align with God’s purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/influence_and_responsibility.htm">Influence and Responsibility</a></b><br>Being brought before "great men" or people of influence carries responsibility. We must use such opportunities to glorify God and serve others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_gifts.htm">Spiritual Gifts</a></b><br>Beyond material gifts, God has given each believer spiritual gifts. These open doors for ministry and service within the body of Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_giving.htm">Integrity in Giving</a></b><br>Our motives in giving should be pure, seeking to honor God rather than manipulate situations for selfish gain.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 18</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_faith_aid_disease_healing.htm">Why boast about your own achievements?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_marriage_imply_singles_lack_blessing.htm">Proverbs 18:22: Does finding 'favor from the Lord' by marrying imply that the single or the divorced lack divine blessing?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/was_hagar_abraham's_wife_or_concubine.htm">What does Proverbs 16:18 mean about pride?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_personal_responsibility.htm">What does the Bible say about personal responsibility?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) <span class= "bld">A man's gift.</span>--Judicious liberality "maketh room for him," helps him to make his way through life. (Comp. <a href="/luke/16-9.htm" title="And I say to you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when you fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.">Luke 16:9</a>, and the advice there given so to use temporal riches as to gain those of heaven.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A man's gift maketh room for him</span> (comp. <a href="/proverbs/19-6.htm">Proverbs 19:6</a>). <span class="accented">Mattam</span>, "gift," has been taken in different senses. Some consider it to mean a bribe offered for underhand or fraudulent purposes; but the context does not lead to this conclusion, and the parallel passage mentioned above makes against it. Hitzig sees in it a spiritual gift, equivalent to <span class="greek">χάρισμα</span>; but such a meaning is not elsewhere attached to the word. The term here signifies the present which duty or friendship offers to one whom one wishes to please. This paves a man's way to a great person's presence. <span class="cmt_word">Bringeth him before great men.</span> The Oriental custom of offering suitable gifts to one in authority, when a favour or an audience is desired, is here alluded to (comp. <a href="/1_samuel/10-27.htm">1 Samuel 10:27</a>; <a href="/1_kings/4-21.htm">1 Kings 4:21</a>; <a href="/1_kings/10-25.htm">1 Kings 10:25</a>). So the Magi brought gifts so the newborn King at Bethlehem (<a href="/matthew/2-11.htm">Matthew 2:11</a>). In a spiritual sense, the right use of riches opens the way to eternal life, evincing a man's practical love of God and man; as Christ says (<a href="/luke/16-9.htm">Luke 16:9</a>), "Make to yourselves friends by means of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when it shall fail, they may receive you into the eternal tabernacles" (Revised Version). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/18-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">A man’s</span><br /><span class="heb">אָ֭דָם</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḏām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ruddy, a human being</span><br /><br /><span class="word">gift</span><br /><span class="heb">מַתָּ֣ן</span> <span class="translit">(mat·tān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4976.htm">Strong's 4976: </a> </span><span class="str2">A present</span><br /><br /><span class="word">opens doors</span><br /><span class="heb">יַרְחִ֣יב</span> <span class="translit">(yar·ḥîḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7337.htm">Strong's 7337: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be or grow wide or large</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for him,</span><br /><span class="heb">ל֑וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(lōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">and brings</span><br /><span class="heb">יַנְחֶֽנּוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(yan·ḥen·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5148.htm">Strong's 5148: </a> </span><span class="str2">To guide, to transport</span><br /><br /><span class="word">him before</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלִפְנֵ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lip̄·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">great men.</span><br /><span class="heb">גְדֹלִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(ḡə·ḏō·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1419.htm">Strong's 1419: </a> </span><span class="str2">Great, older, insolent</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/18-16.htm">Proverbs 18:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/18-16.htm">Proverbs 18:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/18-16.htm">Proverbs 18:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/18-16.htm">Proverbs 18:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/18-16.htm">Proverbs 18:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/18-16.htm">Proverbs 18:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/18-16.htm">Proverbs 18:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/18-16.htm">Proverbs 18:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/18-16.htm">Proverbs 18:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/18-16.htm">Proverbs 18:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/18-16.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 18:16 A man's gift makes room for him (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/18-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 18:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 18:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/18-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 18:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 18:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>