Text:          Proverbs 18:16

By:             Ikuku-Damatie, Henry (Deacon)

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God’s Wisdom Brings You Promotion

Proverbs 18:16 states, “A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.” This scripture carries profound wisdom, both spiritually and practically. It speaks to how one’s abilities, talents, or resources can open doors and create opportunities in life.

1. The Nature of the Gift

The term “gift” can be understood in multiple ways. It may refer to:

Natural talents or skills: The unique abilities God has given each person. For example, someone gifted in teaching, leadership, or craftsmanship will often find their way to platforms where those talents are valued.

Character and virtues: Gifts like integrity, humility, or kindness can set a person apart and lead to divine connections.

Material resources or offerings: In the ancient world, physical gifts were often given as tokens of respect or to gain an audience with rulers or leaders. However, this principle still applies today when we generously give our resources to honor others or support a cause.

2. The Gift Makes Room

The phrase “makes room” implies that a person’s gift clears obstacles and creates space for them in situations where they might not otherwise have access.

Spiritually: When we use our God-given gifts faithfully, God Himself orchestrates opportunities for us. These opportunities are about personal advancement and fulfilling His purpose for our lives.

Practically: Gifts like skills, wisdom, and perseverance naturally stand out. They demand attention and respect, even in competitive environments.

3. Bringing Before Great Men

This verse highlights the result of faithfully stewarding one’s gift.

Influence and favor: A well-honed gift can elevate an individual to positions of influence, where they interact with leaders and decision-makers.

God’s divine connection: Often, God uses our gifts as a bridge to connect us with people of influence, not for personal gain alone but for His kingdom purposes. For instance, consider Joseph, whose gift of interpreting dreams brought him before Pharaoh, leading to the salvation of many.

FROM THE PIT TO THE PALACE

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” Genesis 41:39–40

In Genesis 41:38–41, we see how Pharaoh saw that the Spirit of God was in Joseph and that none was as wise and as discerning as Joseph. Pharaoh placed him in charge of the whole of Egypt.

My friend, I want you to note this: Joseph knew that God was the source of his wisdom. When Pharaoh said, “I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that you can understand a dream, to interpret it,” Joseph immediately replied, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace” (Gen. 41:15–16).

Joseph knew that his wisdom was a result of the Lord’s unmerited favor and would not take any credit for it. Clearly, here was a man who understood grace, and could be trusted with increase, promotion, and more success.

Observe the wisdom of Joseph in action. Joseph did not just interpret Pharaoh’s dream. He went on to advise Pharaoh on how to take advantage of the seven years of abundance to prepare for the seven years of famine that were revealed in his dream.

Did you notice how Joseph’s wise advice led to the creation of a position of influence for himself? That is how the wisdom of the Lord operates.

The Lord’s ways are amazing. See the extent of Joseph’s promotion in Genesis 41. In the space of less than an hour, he rose from a lowly prisoner to the highest possible office in all of Egypt.

That, my friend, is the unmerited favor of God! No striving, no compromises, and no manipulation, just pure grace, and grace alone made all the difference in Joseph’s life!

Remember that when the Lord is with you, you are a successful person. If you feel like you are in prison now, stuck in a hopeless situation where you don’t know what to do, ask the Lord for wisdom.

(3 Encounters on the Way to Your Dream)

Every dreamer faces challenges on the road to fulfilling their vision. Before Joseph saw his dream come true, he had three significant encounters that served as turning points. These encounters symbolize the relationships God places in your life to guide, refine, and propel you toward your destiny. Let’s explore these three encounters and their significance.

1. The Butler: Door Openers

A “butler” is someone who opens the door to an opportunity you could not access on your own.

Joseph’s first key encounter was with the butler. The butler represents the people God uses to open doors for you—doors you could never open on your own. Sometimes, no amount of effort or talent will get you to the next level without divine intervention.

A “butler” in your life might be someone who introduces you to the right people, gives you an opportunity to showcase your skills, or simply vouches for your potential. These connections are not random; they are strategically placed by God to fast-track your journey.

Think of a moment in your life when an unexpected opportunity came your way—a job offer, an introduction to someone influential, or a chance to demonstrate your abilities. That was likely your “butler” moment, and it’s a reminder to remain faithful and ready because God has more of these divine appointments waiting for you.

Real-Life Example:

• Oprah Winfrey credits her first big break to her mentor and news director, Vernon Jarrett. Jarrett saw her potential and gave her a chance to host “People Are Talking.” This opportunity launched her career and opened doors for her in television.
• K. Rowling’s manuscript for Harry Potter was rejected by 12 publishers before Bloomsbury agreed to publish it, thanks to the persistence of the editor’s eight-year-old daughter.

Biblical Example:

In Joseph’s story, the butler introduced him to Pharaoh after Joseph interpreted his dream in prison. Without this introduction, Joseph would not have had the opportunity to showcase his God-given gift of interpretation to Pharaoh.

2. The Baker: Mentors Who Shape the Vision

The second pivotal figure in Joseph’s life was the baker. Bakers know how to take raw ingredients—things that seem incomplete or unrelated—and turn them into something extraordinary. They represent mentors or advisors who help you make sense of your dream.

You may have the vision, passion, and resources, but sometimes, you lack the strategy or the experience to bring it all together. This is where a mentor steps in. A mentor will guide you, teach you, and sometimes correct you. Their insights can save you years of trial and error.

It’s important to recognize these “bakers” and remain teachable. Look for people who have already achieved what you aspire to do. Study their methods, listen to their wisdom, and allow them to critique your plans. Remember, their goal is not to discourage you but to help you refine your approach and maximize your potential.

Real-Life Example:

• Steve Jobs became a “baker” for a young Mark Zuckerberg during Facebook’s early years. Jobs mentored Zuckerberg on how to scale and innovate while staying true to his vision, helping him take Facebook from an idea to a global phenomenon.
• Nelson Mandela was mentored by Walter Sisulu, who helped him develop his leadership skills and strategy for fighting apartheid.

Your Life:

Suppose you’re a business owner with a great idea but no clue how to market it. A mentor with experience in branding could teach you how to position your product and grow your audience.

Biblical Example:

• Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, acted as a “baker” when he advised Moses to delegate leadership responsibilities. This guidance helped Moses lead Israel more effectively.

3. The Pharaoh: Financers of the Dream

A “Pharaoh” has the resources and influence to bring your dream to life.

Finally, Joseph’s dream could not have come to fruition without Pharaoh. Pharaoh represents the people who have the resources to fund your vision. These individuals see the value in your dream and are willing to invest in it, often before it even takes off.

Mike Murdoch famously said, “Somebody is always watching you that’s capable of greatly blessing you.” This means that even when you feel unseen, your dedication, excellence, and consistency are being noticed by someone who has the power to help you.

To attract your “Pharaoh,” you must work with integrity, excellence, and faithfulness. Success doesn’t require you to be extraordinary—it requires consistency, determination, and a willingness to put in the hard work, as Tom Brady once noted: When you combine effort with faith, God will ensure the right people are drawn to your vision.

Real-Life Example:

• When Walt Disney pitched the idea of Disneyland, he faced multiple rejections. Eventually, ABC agreed to fund the park in exchange for a share of the profits and exclusive television rights. This investment made Disneyland a reality.
• Thomas Edison received funding from J.P. Morgan to develop his electric light bulb.

Your Life:

Perhaps you’ve started a non-profit organization but lack funding. A philanthropist or investor might recognize your mission’s value and provide the financial support to expand your impact.

Biblical Example:

Pharaoh recognized Joseph’s wisdom and made him second-in-command over Egypt. With Pharaoh’s resources and authority, Joseph implemented a plan to save Egypt (and surrounding nations) from famine.

 How to Unlock the Power of Your Gift

1. Recognize Your Gift: Each person is uniquely gifted. Spend time in prayer, reflection, and action to identify what God has placed in you.
2. Develop Your Gift: Raw talent is not enough. Through hard work, discipline, and learning, refine your gift so it can shine brighter.
3. Use Your Gift Faithfully: Don’t wait for a grand stage. Use your gift in your current sphere of influence—whether in your workplace, community, or church. God honors faithfulness in small things.
4. Stay Humble: Remember that your gift is from God. Use it to glorify Him and serve others, not for self-promotion.
5. Trust God’s Timing: Your gift will make room for you, but it happens in God’s timing. Be patient and allow Him to open the right doors.

Conclusion: Trust the Process

Every dreamer will encounter these three types of people on their journey: the butler to open doors, the baker to guide and shape the vision, and the Pharaoh to provide the resources. These relationships are essential but require patience, humility, and discernment.

Be Ready for the Encounter: In each example, success was not just about encountering the butler, baker, or Pharaoh—it was about being prepared when they arrived.

Keep your eyes open for these divine connections and trust that He is aligning everything for your good. Your dream is not just about achieving a personal goal—it’s about fulfilling a purpose that will impact others and glorify God. Stay consistent, determined, and willing to embrace the journey.

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