18:16

In this verse, 18:16b further explains the meaning of 18:16a. It specifies the kind of opportunity that a gift opens up for the one who gives it.

16a A man’s gift opens doors for him,

16b and brings him before great men.

18:16a

A man’s gift opens doors for him: This clause is literally “The gift of a man/person widens for him.” This is a figure of speech (personification). The gift that a person gives is described as someone who makes the giver’s path wider. As a result, he can more easily reach his destination.

In this context, it means that a gift creates opportunities for the person who gives it. It figuratively opens doors and gives him access to people who can help him achieve his goals. Some other ways to translate this clause are:

A gift opens doors for the one who gives it (God’s Word)
-or-
Giving a gift helps a person to accomplish what he wants

18:16b

and brings him before great men: This line continues the personification of 18:16a. The gift “leads” or “guides” the giver into the presence of important people who have influence. Some other ways to translate this line are:

and leads him before important people (NET Bible)
-or-
and gains him access to great men (New American Bible)

General Comment on 18:16a–b

In some languages, it may be clearer or more natural to reorder some of the phrases in these two lines. For example:

Taking a gift to an important man will help get you in to see him. (New Century Version)
-or-
Do you want to meet an important person? Take a gift and it will be easy. (Good News Translation)

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