Proverbs 18:16

16A man’s gift makes room for him,
And brings him before great men.
-Proverbs 18:16

While we have briefly spoken on issues of bribery in prior devotions, this passage does not appear to be speaking of giving a gift in such a capacity. Instead, it seems to be highlighting a reality of when people demonstrate goodwill toward another individual. There is no doubt that money talks. It can earn you a place to talk with people in higher places, or it can earn you the right to speak into an individual's life. I have heard countless stories from dear friends of mine that use their wealth to make room for them to share the gospel. They help pay for a person's groceries or cover a tank of gas in the hopes that they might have earned the ability to speak to the person for a moment about the greatest gift of all, that of eternal salvation. Let us understand this reality and have eyes open to being able to be generous to those we encounter.