Proverbs 18:16

Modern

A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.

Traditional

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

Literal

The gift of a man makes room for him, and it leads him before the face of great ones.

Latin

Donum hominis dilatat viam ejus, et ante principes spatium ei facit.

Hebrew

English

A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.

See “Bribes” Theme Note.

Theme notes and profiles

Proverbs 19:6
Many seek the favor of the prince, and everyone is a friend of the gift giver.
Genesis 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.
Genesis 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.
Proverbs 17:8
A bribe is a charm to its giver; wherever he turns, he succeeds.
1 Samuel 25:27
Now let this gift your servant has brought to my lord be given to the young men who follow you.
Genesis 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.”
Proverbs 21:14
A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath.