Commentary - Proverbs 18:16

Bird's-eye view

This proverb is a simple statement of how the world generally works, and it describes a principle that can be used for good or for ill. A well-placed and appropriate gift has the power to open doors that would otherwise remain shut. It creates opportunity and grants access to influential people. The Proverb itself is neutral, stating a fact of human social dynamics. The moral quality of the gift depends entirely on the context, the motive of the giver, and the effect on the recipient. A gift can be an expression of honor, a legitimate token of respect to gain a hearing, or it can be a wicked bribe, intended to pervert justice. Scripture elsewhere roundly condemns the taking of bribes to twist judgment, but it also recognizes that a gift can rightly "pacify anger" and make a way for righteousness in a crooked world. The ultimate gift, of course, is the one God gave in His Son, which made a way for us, sinners with no standing, to be brought into the presence of the greatest King of all.

Therefore, we must read this proverb with discernment. It is not a command to become a schemer, using gifts to manipulate your way to the top. Rather, it is a piece of wisdom that acknowledges a reality. Generosity, honor, and tangible expressions of respect are lubricants in the gears of human relationships. The wise man understands this principle and knows when and how to apply it righteously, while the fool will either neglect it entirely or use it corruptly for his own selfish ends.

Outline

Context In Proverbs

The book of Proverbs is a collection of practical wisdom for navigating life in God's world. These are not absolute, geometric proofs that apply in every conceivable situation without exception. They are Spirit-inspired generalizations about how life typically works. This is why one proverb can say "Answer not a fool according to his folly" (Prov. 26:4) and the very next verse can say "Answer a fool according to his folly" (Prov. 26:5). Wisdom is knowing which principle applies in which situation. Proverbs 18:16 sits within a chapter that discusses a range of social dynamics: the dangers of isolation (v. 1), the heart of a fool (v. 2), the consequences of wickedness (v. 3), and the importance of hearing both sides of a story (v. 17). This proverb fits neatly into that context, offering another piece of shrewd, practical advice about how to deal with people, particularly those in positions of authority or influence.

Key Issues

Gifts, Bribes, and Open Doors

Our modern, egalitarian sensibilities can sometimes recoil at a verse like this. It sounds like a cynical endorsement of "greasing the palms" to get ahead. But we have to make some crucial biblical distinctions. The Bible is clear and absolute in its condemnation of taking bribes to pervert justice. "Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous" (Deut. 16:19). For a judge or official to accept a payment in order to rule unjustly is a heinous sin. It is always wicked to take a bribe.

However, the Bible does not have a universal prohibition on giving a gift in a difficult situation. In a fallen world, sometimes you are dealing with a system that is already corrupt. You are not trying to get an official to do something wicked; you are trying to get him to do his basic job, which he refuses to do without some "encouragement." In such a case, a "gift" can be a lawful way of getting through an unjust roadblock. Proverbs 21:14 says, "A gift in secret pacifieth anger: And a reward in the bosom strong wrath." This is not about making a righteous man angry; it is about pacifying an unrighteous man's anger so that a just outcome can be achieved. This proverb is simply acknowledging a social reality. A thoughtful gift is a powerful tool. Like any tool, it can be used to build or to demolish. Wisdom is knowing the difference.

Verse by Verse Commentary

16 A man’s gift makes room for him And leads him into the presence of great men.

Let's break this down into its two clauses, because they describe a progression.

First, "A man's gift makes room for him." The image here is of a crowded place. There is no space. The way is blocked. A man without resources, without connections, without a gift in his hand, is stuck on the outside. But a gift functions like a key, or perhaps like a bulldozer. It clears a path. It creates an opportunity where none existed before. It makes the recipient stop and take notice. The gift says, "This person is serious. This person is showing honor. This person is worth listening to." It separates a man from the crowd and sets him in a different category.

Second, the gift "leads him into the presence of great men." Once the room has been made, the path leads somewhere important. It brings the giver into an audience with people of influence, the "great men." This could be a king, a magistrate, a potential employer, or a wealthy benefactor. It is access to the corridors of power or opportunity. The gift does not guarantee the outcome of the meeting, but it secures the meeting itself. It gets you in the door. What you do once you are inside is another matter, but without the gift, you would still be standing outside in the street.

This is not fundamentally unjust; it is a recognition that great men are busy, and their time is valuable. A gift is a way of acknowledging that value and showing that you do not intend to waste their time. It is a tangible form of honor. Of course, this principle can be abused, but the abuse of a thing does not negate its proper use. A well-timed, appropriate gift, given with a right heart, is a legitimate and wise way to navigate the social world God has made.

Application

So how does a Christian apply this piece of ancient wisdom? First, we must be people of integrity. We should never offer a gift that is intended to cause someone to sin. We do not bribe officials to break the law for us or to rule against our righteous neighbor. To do so is to participate in wickedness and to trust in the crooked ways of the world rather than in the provision of God.

Second, we should be wise and generous. There are times when a thoughtful gift is simply an expression of honor and respect. Giving a gift to a host, providing for a visiting speaker, or blessing a public servant are all good and right. These things build goodwill and open doors for ministry and influence. We should not be so stingy or so naive as to think that these social kindnesses do not matter. They are the currency of healthy relationships.

Finally, and most importantly, we must see this proverb in light of the gospel. We were the ones with no access. We were shut out from the presence of the greatest King, and not because He was busy, but because He is holy and we are sinners. There was no gift we could bring that could possibly make room for us. Our righteous deeds were as filthy rags. So what did God do? He provided the gift Himself. The Father gave the Son, and the Son gave Himself. This is the ultimate gift that makes room for us. Jesus Christ, through His atoning death and victorious resurrection, has not just led us into the presence of great men, but into the very throne room of God Almighty. He has secured for us a permanent audience with the King of kings. Our access is not based on the size of our gift, but on the infinite value of His. That is the economy of grace, and it is the foundation upon which all our other giving, and all our other living, must be built.