Proverbs 18:16

How To Avoid Fools And Foolishness

¹⁵ The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge,
and the ear of the wise seeks it. ¹⁶ A gift opens doors for a man
and brings him before the great. ¹⁷ The first to state his case seems right
until another comes and cross-examines him.

Open Door

Genesis 32:20

You are also to say, ‘Look, your servant Jacob is right behind us.’” For he thought, “I want to appease Esau with the gift that is going ahead of me. After that, I can face him, and perhaps he will forgive me.”

1 Samuel 25:27

Accept this gift your servant has brought to my lord, and let it be given to the young men who follow my lord.

Proverbs 17:8

A bribe seems like a magic stone to its owner;
wherever he turns, he succeeds.

Genesis 33:10

But Jacob said, “No, please! If I have found favor with you, take this gift from my hand. For indeed, I have seen your face, and it is like seeing God’s face, since you have accepted me.

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 take them down to the man as a gift—some balsam and some honey, aromatic gum and resin, pistachios and almonds.

Proverbs 19:6

Many seek a ruler’s favor,
and everyone is a friend of one who gives gifts.

Proverbs 21:14

A secret gift soothes anger,
and a covert bribe, fierce rage.