Recently Proverbs 18:16 was given to me by a friend, as an encouragement verse.  After doing some study on it, I find that it could also have a negative connotation.  Any thoughts on this verse?  It was given to me to help strengthen my faith about a friend's gifts--they were unemployed and this verse was an encouragement that God has a plan for us and will make use of our gifts if we let him.