16 A person’s gift opens doors[a] for him
and brings him before the great.(A)

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Footnotes

  1. 18:16 Lit gift makes room

16 A person’s gift opens doors for him,
    bringing him access to important people.

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Wealth attracts many friends,(A)
but a poor person is separated from his friend.

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Wealth brings many friends,
    but a poor man is deserted by his friend.

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

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Many curry favor of an official;
    everyone is a friend of the gift giver.

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11 The one who loves a pure heart
and gracious lips—the king is his friend.(A)

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11 Whoever loves purity[a] and gracious speech
    will gain the king as his friend.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 22:11 Lit. purity of heart

29 Do you see a person skilled in his work?
He will stand in the presence of kings.
He will not stand in the presence of the unknown.(A)

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29 Do you see a man skilled in his work?
    He will work for kings, not unimportant people.

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