Proverbs 18:16
14 The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?
15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out.
A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.
17 The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
18 Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates strong opponents.
Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.
- KJV
- A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
- WEB
- A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.
- ASV
- A man`s gift maketh room for him, And bringeth him before great men.
- DARBY
- A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
- BLB
- The gift of a man makes room for him, and it leads him before the face of great ones.
- ÅB
- Et menneskes gave gir ham rom og fører ham fram for store herrer.
- OTB
- En gave baner vei for giveren og bringer dem fram for de store.
- B1930
- Et menneskes gave gir ham rum og fører ham frem for store herrer.
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
Proverbs 19:6
Many seek the favor of the prince, and everyone is a friend of the gift giver.
Read in contextGenesis 43:11
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.
Read in contextGenesis 33:10
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.
Read in context1 Samuel 25:27
Now let this gift your servant has brought to my lord be given to the young men who follow you.
Read in contextProverbs 17:8
A bribe is a charm to its giver; wherever he turns, he succeeds.
Read in contextGenesis 32:20
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.”
Read in contextProverbs 21:14
A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath.
Read in context