Proverbs 18:17

17 The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.^[a]

Proverbs 18:17 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 18:17

He that is first in his own cause [seemeth] just
As perhaps Tertullus did, before Paul made his defence; and as Ziba, Mephibosheth's servant, before his master detected him: this often appears true in telling a tale, in private conversation, in lawsuits before a judge and a court of judicature, and in theological controversies; but his neighbour cometh, and searcheth him;
his neighbour comes into the house, where he is telling his tale, and reports it in another manner, and shows the falsehood of his relation; or he comes into a court of judicature, and sets the cause in quite another light; or he comes out into the worm by public writing, and exposes the errors of a man engaged in a wrong cause, and refutes his arguments. It is generally understood of judicial affairs, that the first that opens a cause is very apt to prejudice the judge and court in his favour, and they are ready to thing at first hearing that he is in the right; but it is not proper to be hasty in forming a judgment till the other side is heard; for his antagonist comes and traverses the point, unravels the whole affair, shows the weakness of his cause, the vanity of his pretences, and makes void all his allegations; and then "he", the judge, so some interpret it, "searcheth"; inquires more narrowly into the case, in order to find out truth, and pass a right judgment and sentence.

Proverbs 18:17 In-Context

15 The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it.

16 A gift opens doors for a man and brings him before the great.

17 The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.

18 [Casting] the lot ends quarrels and separates powerful opponents.

19 An offended brother is [harder to reach] than a fortified city, and quarrels are like the bars of a fortress.

Footnotes

• [a]. 1 Kg 3:16-28