(箴言 18:16)
“人的禮物，為他開路，引他到高位的人面前。”
這裡所說的禮物，在希伯來文的原意中除了指實質的禮物，更包含了一個人慷慨發揮的才幹與天賦。這並不是教人去行賄或走後門，而是強調當我們好好運用上帝賜予的恩賜，並經過不斷的鍛鍊與實踐，這份才華自然會獲得賞識，讓我們有機會接觸到有影響力的人，使工作和前途更加順遂。
每個人都擁有上帝賦予的不同才幹，關鍵在於我們是否願意努力操練。就像管理或治理的才能，只要在工作中不斷磨練並做出成績，自然會得到上司或領袖的認同。這節經文告訴我們一個事實：只要好好發揮天父賜與的才幹，祂自會為我們開啟通往高處的大門。
大家不要灰心，像如錐在囊一樣，只要有才華終究會脫穎而出。我們應當忠心、盡力地工作，相信天父會成為我們的幫助。
(Proverbs 18:16)
“A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.”
The word “gift” mentioned here, in its original Hebrew meaning, refers not only to physical presents but also encompasses the talents and natural gifts that a person generously exercises. This is not teaching people to resort to bribery or backdoors; rather, it emphasizes that when we properly utilize the gifts bestowed by God—through continuous training and practice—this talent will naturally gain recognition. It provides us with opportunities to connect with influential people, making our work and future prospects smoother.
Everyone possesses different talents granted by God; the key lies in whether we are willing to practice them diligently. Just like the ability to manage or govern, as long as one continuously hones these skills at work and produces results, they will naturally earn the approval of supervisors or leaders. This verse tells us a truth: as long as we make good use of the talents given by our Heavenly Father, He will open the doors to high places for us.
Do not lose heart. Much like a sharp awl in a cloth bag, talent will eventually poke through and stand out. We should work faithfully and with all our might, trusting that our Heavenly Father will be our help.
