Pro 18:16 | KingComments | STEP | The gift ( mathan ) referred to here is not the same as a bribe gift ( shokhad ). The word used here, mathan , is more general than the word shokhad ( ), which has more of a negative meaning. It is generally true that a gift gives room for or opens a way to and gives entrance to “great people”. At the same time, we should not close our eyes to the danger that lies in offering a gift, that a gift nevertheless functions as a bribe. To that danger both the giver and the receiver must be mindful. The proverb itself simply says that a gift can make someone lenient ( ; ). The gift is not given to flatter someone, but as a proof of due respect because of the place someone holds. It is about someone of distinction. He who approaches that person in this way is more likely to get in touch with him, for whatever cause, than someone who brutally asks for a conversation.

‏ Proverbs 18:16

What a Gift Can Do

The gift (mathan) referred to here is not the same as a bribe gift (shokhad). The word used here, mathan, is more general than the word shokhad (Pro 17:8 ; 23), which has more of a negative meaning. It is generally true that a gift gives room for or opens a way to and gives entrance to “great people”. At the same time, we should not close our eyes to the danger that lies in offering a gift, that a gift nevertheless functions as a bribe. To that danger both the giver and the receiver must be mindful.

The proverb itself simply says that a gift can make someone lenient (Gen 32:20 ; Gen 43:11; 1Sam 25:27). The gift is not given to flatter someone, but as a proof of due respect because of the place someone holds. It is about someone of distinction. He who approaches that person in this way is more likely to get in touch with him, for whatever cause, than someone who brutally asks for a conversation.