I was invited to speak at an event that had about 200 people present. The topic was Networking and Building Professional Relationships in Tech. 

As I was speaking at this event, this scripture from Proverbs 18:16 "A man's gift makes room for him" (NKJV). 

Why am I speaking on this, and how does it relate to what I was talking about? 

Well, on making my point about HOW TO Nurture & Maintain Professional Relationships In Tech, I shared Showing appreciation for the network of people you have around you, and I shared an important point on gifting people when it truly matters. As I was speaking, I remembered being at Wafbec 2023, and Pastor Yemi Davids spoke about the true meaning of that scripture.

"A man's gift maketh room for him, and brings him before great men" (Prov. 18:16). NKJV

In his lessons, he spoke about how we can make room for ourselves, and because of his lessons, I started studying more about it. Today, I will share some of my findings. 

When we look at this scripture, we often hear people define it to mean something that it doesn't really mean. I have heard people describe this verse in regard to talent. Which in itself isn’t bad, but is that what it truly means?

You hear things like if you're talented or have some gift or anointing, then eventually, your place will be made for you, and people of great means will get to hear you or partake of your gift. But that isn't what this verse is talking about at all! In fact, when you look this scripture up in the original Hebrew, you'll find out several things.

First of all, you'll discover that the writer is referring to financial things. In fact, when you look it up, you will find that in the Middle East - and the Bible is an Eastern book - it was customary for a man to bring a gift to an individual in order to be heard by that individual.

You had to present a gift before anyone would even discuss business with you. Of course, we might not have that tradition here, but the Bible says that a man's gift makes room for him, and we, no matter where we are, have to understand what that means because it's a Bible truth.

The Hebrew word translated "gift" in Prov. 18:16 means a present. And the word "room" means to broaden. So, in other words, we could read that verse like this: "A man's present will broaden, cause expansion, or create opportunity for him. And, on top of all that, a man's present will bring him before great men."

When we look at NLT or the New International Version, it translates Prov. 18:16. It makes it easier to understand: A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great. (Prov. 18:16. NIV). or MSG that says A gift gets attention; it buys the attention of eminent people. Isn't it interesting to see! 

So why am I speaking on this? If you remember, I shared a point about HOW TO Nurture & Maintain Professional Relationships In Tech, and I highlighted that you could show appreciation for the network of people you have around you by gifting people when it truly matters. 

I want us to be intentional and understand that a gift is of value and that a gift makes room for you. In other words, a gift will open doors of opportunity for you because it makes you top of mind and you are memorable. Thank you for listening in.