Proverbs 18:16-18
Proverbs 18:16-18 The Message (MSG)
A gift gets attention; it buys the attention of eminent people. The first speech in a court case is always convincing— until the cross-examination starts! You may have to draw straws when faced with a tough decision.
Proverbs 18:16-18 King James Version (KJV)
A man's gift maketh room for him, And bringeth him before great men. He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; But his neighbour cometh and searcheth him. The lot causeth contentions to cease, And parteth between the mighty.
Proverbs 18:16-18 New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995 (NASB1995)
A man’s gift makes room for him And brings him before great men. The first to plead his case seems right, Until another comes and examines him. The cast lot puts an end to strife And decides between the mighty ones.
Proverbs 18:16-18 New Century Version (NCV)
Taking gifts to important people will help get you in to see them. The person who tells one side of a story seems right, until someone else comes and asks questions. Throwing lots can settle arguments and keep the two sides from fighting.
Proverbs 18:16-18 American Standard Version (ASV)
A man’s gift maketh room for him, And bringeth him before great men. He that pleadeth his cause first seemeth just; But his neighbor cometh and searcheth him out. The lot causeth contentions to cease, And parteth between the mighty.
Proverbs 18:16-18 New International Version (NIV)
A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great. In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines. Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart.
Proverbs 18:16-18 New King James Version (NKJV)
A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men. The first one to plead his cause seems right, Until his neighbor comes and examines him. Casting lots causes contentions to cease, And keeps the mighty apart.
Proverbs 18:16-18 Amplified Bible (AMP)
A man’s gift [given in love or courtesy] makes room for him And brings him before great men. [Gen 32:20; 1 Sam 25:27; Prov 17:8; 21:14] The first one to plead his case seems right, Until another comes and cross-examines him. To cast lots puts an end to quarrels And decides between powerful contenders.
Proverbs 18:16-18 New Living Translation (NLT)
Giving a gift can open doors; it gives access to important people! The first to speak in court sounds right— until the cross-examination begins. Flipping a coin can end arguments; it settles disputes between powerful opponents.
Proverbs 18:16-18 The Passion Translation (TPT)
Would you like to meet a very important person? Take a generous gift. It will do wonders to gain entrance into his presence. There are two sides to every story. The first one to speak sounds true until you hear the other side and they set the record straight. A coin toss resolves a dispute and can put an argument to rest between formidable opponents.