Proclamation:
“A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great
men.” Proverbs 18:16 (NASB)
Explanation:
This proverb
was written by King Solomon under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God. Here he states that a person’s God given gift
will make room for him. It will make a
way for him, it will enlarge his presence and gain respect for him among
men. It will also open doors to the
presence of great men and allow him to keep company with influential
people. It will get him the opportunity
to speak to, and gain the favor of, them that are esteemed and thought well of. The same is also true for our tangible gifts,
or monetary gifts, which can open doors and influence people.
Application:
The Lord God has blessed each one of us with at least one
gift, which if we are wise we will use to His glory. The gifts of The Holy Spirit of God are
wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, distinguishing of
spirits (discernment), speaking in tongues (in languages that one has neither
learned or understood), and interpretation of tongues. (1 Corinthians
12:7-11) These are not gifts which we
give away but which we use for the benefit of others. We are also each blessed with different
individual talents and abilities which we should use for the glory of God. These gifts, along with our tangible and
monetary gifts, can also be used for the benefit of others as well. Jesus, The Christ, said that as we do things
to the poor and needy, we are doing it to Him. (Matthew 25:40) We should use our gifts and our influence in
order to benefit others.
